Residents of Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area (LCDA) are the latest beneficiaries of numerous intervention programmes embarked upon by WaterAid Nigeria with the rehabilitation of water supply and toilet facilities at Egan Primary Health Centre (PHC) 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 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 caregivers. So, the whole idea is that we want to ensure that the Primary Health Centres 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.
“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.
“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 its purpose. We hope that in five years’ time the hygiene behavioural interventions would have changed the behaviours of those working and those coming in to seek health care facilities.”
Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State 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 occasion that was 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,” he said.
Wahab, who was represented by Mrs. Tutu Olaiya Olokooba, opined: “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 appreciate 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 caregivers 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 Centre.
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 a couple of executives from the host LCDA.
By Ajibola Adedoye
