The U.S. Agency for International Development ,(USAID), through Partners for Development launched a three-year $3.5 million Water Improvement and Sanitation Enhancement (WISE) activity to improve water safety in Jigawa and Kano states.
The WISE activity will reduce the occurrence and impact of waterborne diseases through improvements in access to clean drinking water and sanitation, and the adoption of key hygiene behaviors. One of the first tasks will be to construct or rehabilitate 30 water access points and install 55 sanitation facilities in schools and community health centers. These improved water access points will provide clean drinking water to more than 66,000 local residents.
In her remarks, USAID Deputy Mission Director Katie Donohoe said, “Access to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene services within a community are the cornerstone of a healthy, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria.” She added, “When this is done, each community will have a first line defense against the spread of infectious disease and allow children to spend more time in school.”