Revolutionizing Lives: Katsina Water Agency Vows 600,000 Litres Daily for Baure, Empowering WASHCOM for Sustainable Change
In a groundbreaking initiative poised to redefine the quality of life for residents in Baure Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State, the Katsina Small Town Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene Agency (STWSSHA) has announced an audacious commitment to deliver an impressive 600,000 litres of clean water daily. Alhaji Ibrahim Dankaba, the dynamic Executive Director of the Agency, unveiled this transformative plan during the renaming ceremony of the Water Consumers Association (WCA) to the Water Sanitation and Hygiene Committee (WASHCOM).
Represented by the capable Alhaji Sani Lado, the Assistant Director of water supply in the agency, Dankaba laid out a meticulous blueprint to achieve this ambitious goal, incorporating the installation of ten motorized boreholes in addition to the existing four. This far-reaching endeavor, spearheaded as part of a collaborative World Bank project implemented through NG-SURWASH, aims to provide clean water to 9,800 residents in the community on a daily basis.
Dankaba underscored the immense significance of the project, emphasizing, “After providing the solar-powered boreholes in the area, we projected that in the next 10 years, it will meet the water demand of the community.” The commitment reflects a resolute effort to tackle the acute water needs of the community, with a broader vision of enhancing the overall well-being of its residents.
Commending the proactive engagement of the community, Dankaba expressed heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering collaboration in ensuring the success of this monumental project. He passionately urged residents to take ownership of the facilities, impressing upon them the critical role they play in safeguarding and securing the newly installed infrastructure, even without continuous supervision from the agency.
Chairman Malam Murtala Adamu, representing Baure Local Government, echoed Dankaba’s sentiments, extending commendations to the state government for choosing Baure as one of the two LGAs to benefit from this transformative initiative. The Chairman acknowledged the positive impact of the government’s concerted efforts, leading to the declaration of the LGA as an open defecation-free area in the state.
Chairman Murtala attributed these commendable successes to the proactive role played by the Water Sanitation and Hygiene Committee (WASHCOM), affirming the local government’s unwavering commitment to supporting the agency in its mission. The transition from Water Consumers Association (WCA) to WASHCOM marks a strategic shift toward community-driven management of water supply and sanitation facilities.
WCA, as a community-based organization, played a pivotal role in ensuring that the community’s water supply and sanitation facilities aligned with their needs, adhered to proper construction timelines, and were effectively managed. The evolution into WASHCOM represents a holistic platform, integrating representatives from various sections of the community, united by a shared commitment to take charge of and manage the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) situation in their locality.
Members of WASHCOM underwent comprehensive training, covering essential aspects such as record-keeping, financial management, preventive maintenance of water facilities, and the promotion of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene practices within their communities. This transformative initiative not only addresses the immediate water needs but also empowers the community to actively participate in the sustainable management of their water resources.
As the Katsina Water Agency propels forward with its ambitious plan, the community of Baure eagerly anticipates a positive transformation in their daily lives. The assurance of increased access to clean water stands as a cornerstone for improved health, sanitation, and overall well-being. The transition to WASHCOM marks a pivotal step toward community-driven solutions, underscoring the pivotal role of local engagement in achieving lasting developmental impact and ushering in a new era of sustainable change for Baure.
