Japan Provides N 2.42 Billion Aid for Potable Water Accessibility

The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has provided a N 2.42 billion grant to Nigeria in order to increase access to potable water in Kebbi, Niger, Taraba, Ondo and Enugu.

On hand to sign the agreement were Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, Minister of Water Resources, and Mr. Ryuichi Shoji, Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria.

The agreement provides for the supply of equipment for the construction of and-pump boreholes, vehicles and materials, drilling equipment, training and capacity building including continuous monitoring to measure performance.

Speaking at the signing, the minister said, “The current water supply service coverage in the country is 58 per cent, which is about 87 million people. This translates to lack of potable water for about 70 million people. In the rural areas, only 42 per cent have access to potable water supply.

“Many of our children are also dying of diseases associated with water borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, diarrhea and river blindness. This is unacceptable to the current administration and is, therefore, focusing more attention on the water sector.”

The Japanese Ambassador disclosed that the next phase of the programme would impact 16 states including the FCT.