The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, said it has constructed 338 boreholes and 40 pit latrines in the Shendam and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau state.
George Bekinbo, UNICEFs Water, Sanitation and Hygiene consultant, on Monday told journalists the facilities were provided to enhance child survival and development, through sustainable access to water sanitation and proper hygiene.
The official said the projects were constructed under the EU-supported Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Reform Programme. He said the facilities were provided under the first and second phases of the programme, with the third scheduled to commence by May.
“This project being implemented by the UNICEF supported by the EU is basically to enhance child survival and development through sustainable access to water, sanitation and hygiene services in communities.
“It is being implemented in Adamawa, Ekiti and Plateau states, and here on the Plateau, we are working in various communities of Shendam and Riyom local councils.
“And so far, we have for the first and second phase, constructed 338 boreholes and 40 VIP latrines in the two localities.
“The remaining ones are captured in the third phase of the project which will commence by first week of May”, Bekinbo said.
Bekinbo further explained that 74 local mechanics have been trained to ensure proper maintenance and repairs of the boreholes. He noted that maintenance committee for the facilities had been set up in each of the communities. The communities have key roles to play in sustaining the facilities provided to them and so the onus of maintenance rests on them.
“This is why we have Water Sanitation and Hygiene Committees in each of the communities that take charge of the maintenance of the facilities,” he added.
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