NG-SURWASH Holds One-Day Media Sensitization Workshop on Role of Media in Imo State

By Chinyere Nnaemeka

The Nigerian Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Programme (NG-SURWASH) has organised a one-day media sensitization workshop on the role of the media in the implementation of the SURWASH programme in Imo State.

The workshop, which held on Monday at the Imo State Water and Sewerage Corporation Complex, brought together media practitioners and key stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and improve public awareness of the programme.

SURWASH is a major World Bank-supported initiative in Nigeria, valued at about $700 million, aimed at improving access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services across the country. The programme is designed to address Nigeria’s water crisis through policy reforms, infrastructure development and the strengthening of service providers in participating states. It aligns with Nigeria’s National Action Plan (NAP) to achieve universal access to WASH services by 2030, using a results-based financing approach for states that demonstrate commitment to reforms.

The programme is being implemented in seven states, including Imo, Delta, Ekiti, Gombe, Kaduna, Katsina and Plateau, as well as the Federal Ministry of Water Resources in Abuja.

In his welcome address, the Imo State SURWASH Coordinator, Engr. Chizoba Udegbe Justin, said the core objective of the project is to ensure the delivery of safe water to the people, noting that access to potable water would significantly improve public health and reduce the prevalence of water-borne and communicable diseases.

He explained that while water may appear abundant, not all sources are safe for consumption, stressing the need for public enlightenment on the difference between clean and unsafe water. Engr. Udegbe said the media has a critical role to play in driving home this message to communities across the state.

According to him, the Imo State Government is poised to extend safe water supply to every nook and cranny of the state, revealing that over 355 water projects were recently advertised. He added that plans are underway to introduce similar projects in the state’s 679 rural communities, bringing the total number of upcoming projects to 679, with advertisements expected to commence from the following week based on the governor’s directive.

The state coordinator further highlighted the sustainability component of the programme, noting that communities would own and protect the projects as their own. He explained that local maintenance models would be adopted, including the training of community-based mechanics and WASH officers to ensure routine upkeep, prompt repairs and proper sanitation practices.

Also speaking, the SURWASH State Communication Specialist of the State Project Implementation Unit, Mr. Opara Pascal, reaffirmed the coordinator’s remarks and assured the media of continuous collaboration to ensure the successful implementation and visibility of the programme in Imo State.

Participants at the workshop were taken through a series of lectures, including an overview of the NG-SURWASH project by the Technical Assistance Social/Gender Safeguards Officer, Conel Ekeh, and a presentation on environmental safeguards by the SURWASH Environmental Safeguard Specialist, Mr. Chidiebere Iherue.

Other presentations included a lecture on sanitation and hygiene in the SURWASH programme by Chiekezie Odinaka of the State Programme Coordinating Unit, and a session on gender and social issues in SURWASH delivered by Uzo Nkechi of the State Project Implementation Unit.

The workshop featured interactive sessions, with participants actively engaging in questions and answers, aimed at deepening understanding and fostering effective media participation in promoting the goals of the SURWASH programme in Imo State.