The Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWATSA) in Zamfara state has sought for partnership with the media to promote Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
Indeed, the agency has reiterated its commitment to provide portable hygienic water in the State.
The Director General of the Agency, Alhaji Nasiru Abubakar Zurmi stated this when he played host to Zamfara WASH Reporter’s Forum in Gusau.
Zamfara is one of the states in the partnering with UNICEF in promoting water sanitation and hygiene (WASH).
The Director General stated Governor Bello Matawalle’s commitment to partner with all stakeholders to provide portable water, sanitation and hygiene in the rural communities.
He added that the state has recorded tremendous successes through partnership with the United Nations Children’s Education Fund, UNICEF in the fight against open defecation.
“Various communities have been declared open defecation-free through the commitment of the state government in partnership with UNICEF”, he explained.
Also speaking, RUWATSA Programme Manager, Alhaji Sani Gurbinbore said promoting the WASH programme is the responsibility of everyone.
“Journalists, as the fourth estate of the realm, we believe in your capacity to create awareness and the sensitisation of the general public on proper sanitation and hygiene practices.
“We will continue to partner with you to educate our communities on how to promote WASH related issues and challenges”, Gurbinbore explained.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Forum, Ishaq Tambuwal said the visit was part of the mandate of the forum to collaborate with all stakeholders.
“One of the major mandates of the forum is to advocate to relevant authorities on WASH practices and challenges.
“Even though, the forum is a voluntary initiative, we have the mandate to educate members of the public through sensitisation and awareness creation on the importance of WASH-related issues”, Tambuwal explained.
Zamfara WASH Reporter’s Forum is a civil society organization, CSO, which comprises media practitioners working to promote water sanitation and hygiene in the state.
