By Ajibola Adedoye
Residents of Igando-Ikotun LCDA were the latest beneficiaries of numerous intervention program embarked upon by WaterAid Nigeria with the rehabilitation of water supply and toilet facilities at Egan Primary Health Center in the community.
During the commissioning and handing over ceremony, Evelyn Mere, Country Director for WaterAid Nigeria disclosed that WaterAid in partnership with PepsiCo Foundation decided to renovate WASH facilities at Egan PHC in order to improve sanitation and hygiene of the people at the grassroots.
She said “The whole idea behind the project is that the statistics around WASH in Primary Healthcare facilities for Nigeria is very poor, I think it’s just about 6% coverage and that creates a lot of dangers for patients, health workers and the care-givers. So the whole idea is that we want to ensure that the Primary Health Centers do not become places where diseases are transmitted because there is a lack of handwashing facilities, running water and sanitation but a place that is safe for those working there and those coming in to receive treatment.
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“So, WASH in healthcare facilities such as this is one of the major strands of our work under what we call our universality aim covering different places in the public space such as schools, communities, healthcare facilities to make sure that everyone everywhere has access to WASH.
In her words: “Our decision to implement this solar-powered water facilities is not to take-over the role of the government. Our work is to model what is possible, show what can be done, have government taking over and lead on sustaining it.
“We have trained the Female Area Mechanics to help in sustaining this project anytime the need arises. We hope that in the next five years, this project will still be working and serving it’s purpose. We hope that in five years time the hygiene behavioral interventions would have changed the behaviors of those working and those coming in to seek health care facilities”.
Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources in his remarks said the inauguration of this newly constructed solar-powered borehole water scheme, fully rehabilitated female and male staff toilets, handwashing stations and drinking water points is a momentous occasions that we have eagerly awaited. I commend your patience and resilience during this process. I want to assure you that the Lagos State Government remains committed to delivering WASH services to all its citizens leaving no one behind.
Wahab who was represented by Mrs. Tutu Olaiya Olokooba opined that “The rehabilitation of this WASH facilities is a significant step towards building a greater resilience at the grassroots level. It will also create a conducive working environment as water and sanitation are crucial aspect of our daily lives.
“I appreciates WaterAid Nigeria and PepsiCo Foundation for their invaluable contribution towards this project and we also look forward to future collaborations and greater achievements”.
Comrade Lasisi Ayinde Akinsanya, Chairman, Igando-Ikotun LCDA in his remarks noted that the commissioning of the project is an epoch making in the history of the LCDA.
“I urge all residents to treasure this project as we are taking over from WaterAid Nigeria, we should all treasure it, as we are managing this project the benefits that is inherent in there will spread to every part of the community.
“I also admonish the health officials and care-givers here that the local government will frown at anybody that make any attempt to mess up this project”.
He however assured the donor of proper management of the project to ensure its sustainability.
Highpoint of the event was signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Chairman of Igando-Ikotun LCDA, WASHCOM and Primary Health Care Board. As well as handing over of a set of WASH Maintenance Kit to the Primary Health Center.
Important dignitaries that graced the commissioning of the project include Comrade (Mrs.) Mojisola Badmus, Vice Chairman, Igando-Ikotun LCDA, Mr. Henry Adenigba, Executive Director, Humanity Family Foundation for Peace and Development (HUFFPED) and couple of executives from the host LCDA.
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