WaterAid supports launch of WASH policy in third Nigerian State

10 February 2010

The new policy is revealed.

Credit: WaterAid

On 4 December 2009 Enugu State in South East Nigeria launched its first Water and Sanitation Policy.

The process for developing the policy was facilitated by WaterAid and other development partners including UNICEF, DFID (SLGP) and the World Bank. WaterAid, thanks to funding from the EU, provided technical input and was instrumental in ensuring that the policy is equitable and inclusive, with a focus on the poorest and most vulnerable groups. WaterAid also supported the participation of the civil society, which was made possible through the ECWF.

The 40 page document, which recognises water and sanitation as a right, was presented to the public on behalf of the Executive Governor of Enugu State by his Deputy, Mr Sunday Onyebuchi. In his speech the Governor described the policy as a milestone achievement which will go a long way in ensuring that water and sanitation gets the attention and focus it deserves, he also noted that water and sanitation is on the State's Four Point Agenda. The Governor explained that the document provides the necessary legal framework for all stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector.