From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
As Kaduna State joined the world to mark “World Food Day 2023,” with the theme “Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind. “ the State “Governor, Senator Uba Sani has expressed the commitment of his administration to provide Kaduna citizens, especially rural dwellers with access to clean water and food.
He stated this in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Muhammad Lawal Shehu and made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.
Governor Sani stressed that the government recognizes the critical role that water plays in ensuring food security in the state and across the world.
Water according to him is a vital resource, constituting over 50% of human bodies and covering 71% of the Earth’s surface.
“ However, according to the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization, only 2.5% of this water is freshwater suitable for various uses, such as for drinking and agriculture.
“This year’s theme, “Water is Life, Water is Food. Leave No One Behind,” conveys a potent and succinct message.
“It underscores that water is the essence of life itself. Without access to clean and safe water, human survival is at risk.
“ Water isn’t just a resource; it’s fundamental to our existence. Also, it highlights the intricate connection between water and food security.
“Adequate water resources are crucial for agriculture and food production, emphasizing that water is, essentially, food. ” Governor Sani stated in his remarks.
“Our administration is committed to providing communities, especially our rural areas with access to clean water and food,” He said
Gov. Sani disclosed that in proactive efforts to achieve this, the Kaduna State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (KADRUWASSA) is implementing programs such as the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH) and Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) to provide Water, Sanitation, and Health (WASH) services.
“The Kaduna State Government is committed to attaining Open Defecation Free (ODF) status by 2024, one year before the national deadline. In August 2023 during a visit by UNICEF’s Chief of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Kaduna state was lauded for its proactiveness as 7 LGAs have already been declared free of open defecation by UNICEF.
“Water pollution has far-reaching impacts on our food, environment, the economy, and health this is why in partnership with UNICEF, we recently constructed ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrines and hand wash stations across the State.
“ We have also undertaken borehole construction and rehabilitation projects” Gov Sani explains.”
