From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government has announced its readiness to implement the $700 million Federal Government-World Bank Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme.
Alhaji Yakubu Bala Tafida, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), conveyed this commitment during a courtesy visit by a team from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and the World Bank, led by Engr Abdulhamid Adamu Gwaram, National Programme Coordinator for SURWASH.
The team visited Kebbi State to assess its water sector in preparation for the programme’s implementation. Tafida assured them that the state would meet all expectations.
“The incumbent administration of Governor Nasir Idris will adhere to all stipulations and meet all expectations for the project, including budgetary allocation for the programme,” he said. He added, “In return, we shall demand the sponsors to fulfil their own obligations for the success of the scheme.”
Engr Gwaram explained the project’s scope, noting Kebbi’s strong participation. “The Federal Ministry of Water Resources acknowledges the commitment of Kebbi State to the implementation of the water supply, sanitation and hygiene project,” he said.
“Kebbi has graduated from eligibility level and qualified to proceed to the second round, preparatory to the last stage of readiness and accessibility.
“Kebbi is desirous of using the availability of funds by the World Bank for the development of water supply and sanitation sector. The scheme is a $700 million World Bank-assisted programme. This is a programme-for-results system that requires beneficiaries to show results of positive implementation and impact before access to the funds; we are confident that Kebbi State has the capacity, capability and ability to deliver,” Gwaram remarked.
Kebbi State Commissioner for Water Resources, Bello Abdullahi Ka’oje, praised Governor Nasir Idris for his commitment to partnering with the Federal Government and World Bank to ensure sustainable water supply and sanitation in the state.