FG Undertakes Slum Upgrade Interventions in 150 Communities
Housing Minister Ahmed Musa Dangiwa says the ministry has undertaken urban renewal and slums upgrade interventions in more than 150 communities nationwide in the last two years.
Dangiwa disclosed this during a meeting with the Society for Water and Sanitation, (NEWSAN), in his office in Abuja.
NEWSAN is a coordinating network of over 300 Civil and Community based organisations focused on issues of water, sanitation, and hygiene.
The minister said the housing ministry would explore partnership with NEWSAN to strengthen advocacy for water, sanitation and hygiene across the country.
He said that the ministry is focused on urban development and slum upgrading, including provision of security, electricity, solar street lighting, drainages, roads, water, and sanitation, as well as micro-stores and other basic amenities.
Dangiwa assured the delegation of the Ministry’s willingness to collaborate in enhancing data-driven planning and interventions, so as to SDG 11 and 6 on Sustainable Cities and Communities by addressing demand for Clean Water and Sanitation.
Arc. Dangiwa however acknowledged that due to budgetary constraints, the Ministry’s interventions do not currently cover the entire country.
Earlier in his remarks, the National Coordinator of NEWSAN, Mr. Benson Attah, said they work with community based organizations and NGOs to ensure every citizen has access to safe water and sanitation.
While acknowledging the Ministry’s efforts in providing shelter, he encouraged further action in the areas of water, sanitation, and hygiene.
He informed the Minister that the delegation came to solicit support and partnership to achieve the goals of safe water and improved sanitation in the country.
He also spoke on open defecation, saying only Jigawa and Katsina States have so far achieved the Open Defection Free status nationwide.
Mr. Attah therefore encouraged the ministry to use its influence with state governments to promote open defecation-free activities.
He also proposed for the ministry to include provisions for water, sanitation, and hygiene in its contracts.
