Recently, the Federal Government declared a state of emergency to invigorate the deteriorating situation of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Nigeria.
KINGSLEY JEREMIAH and JOKE FALAJU write that a National Action Plan on the situation which was developed by the Ministry of Water Resources to make Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achievable in Nigeria by 2030 would be elusive if Federal, State and Local Governments fail to double investment and work with the private sector to address inherent challenges.
As important as water, sanitation and hygiene are to livelihood, a report by the United Nations and another from WaterAid Nigeria recently revealed that over 60 million Nigerians lack access to potable water, 120 million do not have decent toilets facilities and 47 million engage in open defecation.
To underscore the situation, UN reports indicated that over $8 billion would be required yearly till 2030 otherwise; Nigeria would not address the challenge of water.
Obiakor said policy needs to be approved by the Senate and assented to by the President, adding, “if government want that action plan to be effective, it has to approve the National Water Resource bill” With a clear definition of roles among Federal, State, and Local governments, improvement of technical capacity, proper funding, institutionalisation of sanitation, improvement of spending efficiency, management of scare resources, improvement of functioning and creditworthiness of networked services, proper regulation of informal sector in water supply and sanitation, improvement of rural water supply provision, detailed communications strategy as well as mainstream data collection, experts said the country may be heading towards mitigating the challenges in the sector.
In order to ensure that efforts translate into effective service delivery, the experts stressed that service delivery pathway must be established and strengthened at all stages, particularly, from policy, planning and financing, through infrastructure improvements and expansion, to effective management principles.As outlined in the action plan, by 2019 Nigerians are expected to see effective communication of political-will for WASH, a sector reform in all states through the adoption of state-level action plans, development and adoption of policies and laws to produce an enabling environment for the development of efficient, sustainable, and equitable service delivery as well as mobilization of civil society organizations and develop an effective communications policy to obtain community buy-in, while a high-powered steering committee are expected to harmonise tools, systems and approaches for monitoring and evaluation within the sector between all 36 states.
The Federal Government through the 13 years’ plan had said it would support states in the development of their monitoring and evaluation capacity through the organization of zonal capacity building workshops and hands-on support, while conducting regular sector performance reviews The Minister had said government would provide service providers operational and financial efficiency by dedicated technical assistance, expand existing WASH infrastructure, promote increased private sector participation in the sector, get states engaged in institutional development and design incentives for sustainable service delivery models as well as create accountability through a binding performance contract on both the agency and government to accelerated and implementation in a space of five-year.
As a matter of emergency government had pledged to fast track the development of the National Policy on Sanitation, identify and support states, through the National WASH Fund, to demonstrate citywide approaches to sanitation development, improve access to sanitation and hygiene services in public spaces, encourage states and local governments to enforce existing codes and related legislation regarding the minimum number of sanitation facilities required for buildings and facilities as well as a robust public awareness and education.
As laudable as government plans on WASH are, an Official of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Zaid Jurgi, sees funding as a basic challenge that may thwart the efforts, insisting that achieving goal six of the SDGs alone would cost Nigeria over $8 billion yearly for the next 13 years.
A large share of these needs to be supported by the public sector; 1.3 per cent of GDP, equivalent to $5.3 billion a year, which must be cost shared by the Federal Government, as well as by the State and Local Governments.

The International Alliance "Chrysotile" declares that there are capabilities and technical solutions that can be applied to solve a range of problems related to the safe transportation of water resources.
The use of durable and safe chrysotile-containing pipes makes it possible in a short period of time to create an effective system of water supply and drainage.
A recent example can be found in the amendments to the "Directive on protection of workers against risks associated with exposure to carcinogens and mutagens at work".
According to the new regulations, substances such as chromium VI compounds, wood dust and vinyl chloride, classified by the International Agency for Cancer Research as carcinogens of the first group, are permissible for use at work.
Chromium VI, also mentioned in this document as a recognized mutagen and carcinogen (p. 213), is still a major element of environmental pollution in industrialized areas, and can provoke serious illnesses.
Reference to page 171 of the aforementioned document of the WHO, second edition of "Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality Analysis", includes the – relevant yet ignored – conclusion of a specialized commission which states that chrysotile asbestos pipes are considered absolutely safe for the supply of drinking.
Scientists write that "there is no consistent, convincing evidence that the asbestos consumed (together with food or drinking water) is dangerous for human health" and therefore do not see the need to establish a maximum permissible threshold of asbestos fibers content in drinking water.
Moreover, a highly relevant study was published following the July 1996 meeting of the International Programme on Chemical Safety, as well as additional studies conducted by scientists of the WHO and Specialists of the International Labour Organization.
The International Alliance "Chrysotile" considers it necessary to eliminate double standards in relation to chrysotile asbestos in EU countries and to allow its safe and regulated use.
Such a solution would help effectively solve many of the problems of water supply and create a foundation for the safe and comfortable development of all the countries of the world, preventing the death of people from water scarcity and diseases associated with its pollution.

This was revealed by the chief of Water Sanitation and Hygiene, WASH, UNICEF Nigeria, Zaid Jurji, in collaboration with‎ the recent Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics in 2016/17, which also indicated that about 40 per cent of households do not have access to clean water sources.
‎He said: “For Nigeria to achieve the global goal of providing access to safe water for every citizen by 2030, it needs to make water, together with sanitation and hygiene, a national priority.
This goal is closely linked with three key results for the country – good health, environment sustainability and economic prosperity.
‎”Access to safe drinking water remains a challenge to majority of Nigerians, especially those living in the rural areas.
The recent Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), conducted by the Government of Nigeria in 2016/17, indicates that about 40 per cent of households and about 69 million people, do not have access to clean water sources.
“In the rural areas, 19 million people walk long distances to collect unsafe water from lakes, streams and rivers.
“Children without access to safe water are more likely to die in infancy and throughout childhood from water-borne diseases.
Diarrhoea remains the leading cause of death among children under five years of age in Nigeria.
“Waterborne diseases also contribute to stunting.
UNICEF, in collaboration with the federal, state and local governments, has provided safe water during the past five years to over eight million Nigerians living in rural areas.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Wednesday urged the French government to provide safe drinking water, sanitation services, and emergency shelter for migrants who remain in the areas along the northern French coast, including Calais, Grande-Synthe, Tatinghem, and Dieppe.
"It is estimated that up to 900 migrants and asylum-seekers in Calais, 350 in Grande-Synthe, and an unidentified number at other sites elsewhere along the northern French coast are living without adequate emergency shelter and proper access to drinking water, toilets or washing facilities," the UN body’s statement read.
READ MORE: Paid Leave: France Offers Migrants €2,500 to Return Home Heller also stressed that France had made some efforts to resolve the issue, however, that they were not sufficient.
According to the statement, since 2017, the French authorities have taken temporary efforts to provide migrants with emergency shelter, drinking water, and sanitation, including hosting about 200 migrants in a sports center in Grande-Synthe.
Migrants are entitled to human rights regardless of their status, the organization stressed, adding that by dismantling migrant camps France was violating its international human rights obligations.
France, as well as a number of other European states, has been significantly affected by the ongoing migration crisis.
One of the French northern-coast cities, Calais, which is located near the French side of Channel Tunnel connecting the country with the United Kingdom, has for years been home to hundreds of migrants trying to cross the border.
In 2016, the migrant camp in Calais was dismantled due to the horrible living conditions there.
READ MORE: Belgian MP: Italy Gov’t Misreads Its People in Slamming France on Migrant Search In 2017, over 100,000 migrants and refugees applied for asylum in France, which became the highest number in the past 40 years.
In January, French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb said that around 26,000 illegal migrants were sent back in 2017, noting that forced returns had increased by 14 percent compared to previous years.

[JURIST] UN human rights experts on Wednesday urged France [press release] to provide adequate emergency shelter, access to drinking water and sanitation facilities, to thousands of migrants living in camps on the northern French coast.
"Migrants, regardless of their status," the experts stated, "are entitled to human rights without discrimination, including access to adequate housing, education, healthcare, water and sanitation as well as access to justice and remedies.
By depriving them of their rights or making access increasingly difficult, France is violating its international human rights obligations."
Last year, France’s highest administrative court ordered [JURIST report] ordered the French government to provide sanitation, health and safety services to migrants.
The UN experts found that although France has taken temporary steps to improve living conditions for migrants, many still face substandard conditions.
EU member states have received ongoing criticism [JURIST report] for their response to the migrant crisis.
UN experts have previously called for comprehensive solutions [JURIST report] to address the depth of the crisis.

GENEVA (4 April 2018) – UN human rights experts* are urging the Government of France to do more to provide safe drinking water, sanitation services and emergency shelter for migrants and asylum-seekers in Calais, Grande-Synthe, Tatinghem, Dieppe and other areas along the northern French coast.
“Migrants and asylum-seekers along the northern French coast, including those not admitted to the sports centre in Grande-Synthe, are facing an inhumane situation, with some living in tents without toilets and washing themselves in polluted rivers or lakes,” said Léo Heller, the Special Rapporteur on the human rights to water and sanitation.
“Some efforts have been made, but not enough.
The situation along the northern French coast is emblematic of the need for much more attention from national and international authorities on this issue.” Since last year, the French Government has taken temporary steps to provide access to emergency shelter, drinking water and sanitation for some migrants and asylum seekers.
By depriving them of their rights or making access increasingly difficult, France is violating its international human rights obligations.” The experts also called for action to end harassment and intimidation of volunteers and members of NGOs providing humanitarian aid to migrants.
The Special Rapporteurs have already contacted the Government of France to seek clarification about the issues highlighted.
The UN experts: Mr. Léo Heller Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation; Mr. Felipe González Morales Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants; Mr. Michel Forst Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders.
Special Rapporteurs are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council.
Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world.
The Universal Declaration – translated into a world record 500 languages – is rooted in the principle that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” It remains relevant to everyone, every day.

In recent years drought in what is one of the most water-stressed regions of the world has caused severe damage to the economies of Morocco and neighbouring North African states.
In 2017 water shortages became acute and the country’s king, Muhammed VI, issued a decree calling on the faithful at mosques throughout the country to pray for rain.
Protests over what has been seen as government inaction and incompetence have broken out in several areas; in November last year 15 people were crushed to death as hungry farming families queued for supplies of flour.
A bad situation looks likely to become worse.
Latest research by the Brookings Institution in the US predicts that climate change is going to result in average temperatures rising across the North African region by 3°C by 2050.
Rainfall over much of Morocco is anticipated to decline by 10% at the same time as water usage rates rise substantially.
Desert spread There is also concern that, along with warming, the Sahara desert could advance northwards, further threatening Morocco’s important agricultural sector, which accounts for 15% of gross domestic product (GDP) and employs 40% of the country’s workforce.
This includes an ambitious renewable energy programme, with a target of producing more than 50% of electricity supply by 2030 through a combination of solar and wind power.
Near the town of Ouarzazate, on the edge of the Sahara desert, Morocco is building what’s billed as one of the world’s biggest solar installations.
Improving irrigation To cope with water shortages the government is also constructing what is likely to be the world’s largest desalination plant – turning seawater into drinking water – near the tourist destination of Agadir on Morocco’s Atlantic coast.

United Nations, Mar 24 (PTI): India has welcomed the launch of an ambitious decade for action on water, expressing hope that concerted action by the international community will help in meeting the challenges of ensuring sustainable solutions to the requirement of clean water.
“We welcome (the) initiative to launch the International Decade for Action on Water for Sustainable Development on the World Water Day,” India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Tanmaya Lal said here on Saturday.
He expressed hope that “through concerted national action and international collaboration, the international community can collectively meet the challenge of ensuring sustainable solutions to the requirement of clean water.” Speaking in the UN General Assembly on the launch of the International Decade for Action on Water for Sustainable Development 2018-2028, Lal said the exponential growth in population, inadequately planned development of industry and urban centres, uncontrolled pollution and changing climate are together putting increasing stress on the availability of water.
Such a scenario has very serious implications affecting food and energy and health among others.
“At the same time, there are also growing instances of innovative practices and technology development that are leading to more efficient recycle and reuse in areas that are deficient in water,” Lal said.
The Decade, launched on March 22 on World Water Day, calls for a greater focus on the sustainable development and integrated management of water resources for the achievement of social, economic and environmental objectives and on the implementation and promotion of related programmes and projects, as well as on the furtherance of cooperation and partnership at all levels in order to help to achieve internationally agreed water-related goals and targets, including those contained in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Lal said the decade of action on water would contribute significantly in facilitating international collaboration in improving the accessibility of clean water for health, wellbeing and sustainable development.
Lal stressed that considerable work needs to be done globally to implement Sustainable Development Goal 6 of ensuring access to water and sanitation for all.
He outlined that in India, large scale efforts by the government and other stakeholders are underway to improve the availability of clean water for drinking and sanitation.
He added that cleaning of rivers is being undertaken at an unprecedented scale in the country and conservation and management of water is being pursued through practices of integrated watershed management and rainwater harvesting.

FSU’s World Water Day event was put on by Take Back the Tap (TBTT).
The FSU campaign is housed under Sustainable Campus and aims to transform FSU into a “bottled water free campus.” The event featured different games that focused on environmental issues as well as visiting organizations centered around environmentalism.
In addition to promoting Tallahassee water, the water wagon was also distributing reusable City of Tallahassee water bottles.
In addition, the event featured two game stations that tested attendee’s knowledge of conservation and environmentalism.
She was overseeing the recycling game at the World Water Day event and commented on the way in which recycling and water conservation intertwine.
“Recycling ties into World Water Day because it just helps make the world, as cheesy as it sounds, a better place,” Perez said.
World Water Day is more important than ever for places like Cape Town, South Africa.
“It’s important in general because, I mean, the world has a plastic problem,” Oberlink said.
Plastic water bottles are also even further unregulated than tap water.” TBTT received over 300 pledges to stop using plastic water bottles at the World Water Day event.
On top of that, TBTT is trying to get the university to fund reusable water bottles to give out at campus tours/orientations as opposed to the plastic bottles that visitors currently receive when on campus.

Guterres said this in a speech at the launch of the International Decade for Action on water at the UN General Assembly.
Demand for freshwater is projected to grow by more than 40 percent by the middle of the century, and climate change, which is picking up the pace, is adding to the pressure, he said.
The launch of the action plan coincides with World Water Day, which falls on March 22.
More than two billion people lack access to safe water, and more than 4.5 billion people lack adequate sanitation services, he said.
Many of the most serious diseases in the developing world are directly related to unsafe drinking water, poor sanitation, and insufficient hygiene practices.
The UN stands ready to help countries to promote policy dialogue, exchange best practices, raise awareness and forge partnerships, he said.
“The growing water crisis should be much higher on the world’s radar.
“Let us work collectively toward a more sustainable world, and an action-packed decade of water for sustainable development,” he said.
The action plan on water seeks to transform the approach to water supply, sanitation, water management and disaster risk reduction in order to better tackle water stress.
Others are combating climate change and enhance resilience; to align existing water and sanitation programmes and projects with the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.