Chukwu Obinna 
ABUJA, Nigeria – WaterAid Nigeria launches a $300,000 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) project in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, aiming to expand access to safe water and sanitation services.
The one-year programme, titled “Strengthening Water and Sanitation Delivery in Abuja – Year Three,” is expected to support the construction and rehabilitation of water facilities while promoting hygiene education.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja on Wednesday, WaterAid Nigeria’s Fundraising Officer, Onaivi Orisaremi, says the intervention represents the third phase of the organisation’s work in the area.
“This project builds on earlier gains and focuses on improving water and sanitation services in communities where access remains limited,” Orisaremi says.
The initiative will include the construction or rehabilitation of three water facilities and one sanitation facility, likely to be located in a school.
Officials say the facilities will provide safe drinking water for about 6,000 residents, while 450 schoolchildren will benefit from improved sanitation infrastructure.
The programme will also deliver hygiene education and behavioural change campaigns targeting around 3,000 residents.
“Water facilities alone cannot guarantee improved health outcomes without proper hygiene practices,” Orisaremi adds.
To ensure sustainability, three community WASH management committees will be established to oversee operations and maintenance.
WaterAid’s Sanitation and Hygiene Coordinator, Obinna Ogbodo, says communities are selected based on WASH gaps, population size, accessibility and security considerations.
The FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) pledges technical support, including geophysical surveys to ensure boreholes are safely located.
Traditional ruler Ibrahim Yusuf of Bwari urges residents to take ownership of the facilities to guarantee long-term sustainability.
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Koko Maxwella 
Hussaini Ibrahim 
