The Kaduna State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (KADRUWASSA) has boosted access to safe water and hygiene in rural areas through the construction of 156 new boreholes and 298 toilets across the state.
In a statement on Monday in Kaduna, the Director-General of KADRUWASSA, Mubarak Ladan, said the construction and rehabilitation of boreholes had provided clean water to an estimated 651,300 people.
According to him, the toilet facilities, handed over to schools, health centres, and local communities, are directly serving more than 11,920 individuals. He added that 78 Local Area Mechanics were trained to maintain the boreholes, ensuring sustainability of the water systems while improving health and livelihoods.
Ladan noted that the achievements were made possible through partnerships with development partners, including UNICEF, the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH), the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Project (SURWASH), and the Acceleration Sanitation and Water for All Project (ASWA III).
He explained that the projects are expected to deliver long-term benefits by reducing waterborne diseases, improving sanitation, and driving economic growth in rural communities. He also highlighted Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to revolutionising sanitation in the state, particularly with the ambitious toilet initiative aimed at eradicating open defecation in Kaduna by 2030, in line with national targets.
“So far, 10 out of the 23 local government areas in Kaduna have achieved open defecation-free status, while 2,269 communities have also been certified free of open defecation, demonstrating the impact of these interventions,” he said.
Ladan further stated that the state’s Sustain Agenda is helping to attract more investment into small towns and rural communities, thereby strengthening access to clean water and improved sanitation.
He commended Governor Sani for his dedication to the welfare of citizens, describing the achievements as monumental and unprecedented in the state’s history. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to these reforms, noting that the results reflect a strong commitment to improving the lives of Kaduna residents.