KADSURWASH Trains Over 150 Community Leaders in Jema’a LGA to Boost Water, Sanitation Projects
In a renewed push to strengthen community participation and accountability in rural water and sanitation projects, the Kaduna State Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (KADSURWASH) programme has trained over 150 community leaders in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The capacity-building session focused on the establishment and inauguration of Grievance Redress Committees (GRCs) and the process of Voluntary Land Donation (VLD) are key components that will support the smooth implementation of KADSURWASH projects across selected communities in the LGA.
Communities expected to benefit from these interventions include Ung Hausawa, G/waya, Lassang, Atuku, Ung Wakili, Pasakori, U/Elisha, Dogon Fili, Ung Maibiri, Barde, Kyayya, Kussom, Asso, Ung Fari, Tudun Wada, Jagindi, Ung Baiya, Kaninkon, Ung Yanshi, Takau, Ung Galadima, Maigizo, Ung Mungu, and Aduwan II.
These interventions are designed to transform rural water supply and sanitation infrastructure, improve access to clean water, and promote healthy hygiene practices in Jema’a and other local government areas.
According to Ms. Mercy Madaki, Safeguard Officer of KADRUWASSA, the training is aimed at ensuring community ownership and inclusiveness.
She noted that the newly established GRCs will serve as the first point of contact for resolving complaints and ensuring smooth project delivery in each community.
Hajia Halima Uba Abba, State Environmental Safeguard Officer for SURWASH, underscored the importance of grievance mechanisms in building transparency and trust.
She said the committees will help manage expectations, resolve disputes, and ensure that every segment of the community especially women, youth, and vulnerable groups are represented in the project process.
Ms. Madaki added that the GRCs will be trained to handle community concerns with empathy, fairness, and professionalism, promoting peaceful coexistence and cooperation throughout project implementation.
Technical Assistant on Environmental Safeguard for SURWASH, Mr. Gamaliel Jangalu Stephen, stated that the ultimate goal of the KADSURWASH program is to reduce waterborne diseases, improve hygiene, and ensure long-term sustainability through proper sanitation practices.
He emphasized that the initiative goes beyond infrastructure to build resilient communities capable of managing and maintaining the services for future generations.
The training session also emphasized the principles of Voluntary Land Donation, encouraging community members to contribute land for the construction of water and sanitation facilities. Several community leaders pledged land in support of the initiative, signaling strong local buy-in and readiness for development.
Community representatives expressed gratitude to Engr. Mubarak Shehu Ladan, Director General of RUWASSA, and Senator Uba Sani, the Governor of Kaduna State, for including Jema’a LGA in the transformative program. They pledged to work closely with the GRCs to ensure the success of all projects in their communities.
The WASH Coordinator, Mr. Yahaya, thanked Hon. Peter Tanko Dogara, Chairman of Jema’a LGA, for his support. He also acknowledged the leadership of Engr. Mubarak Shehu Ladan and Senator Uba Sani for selecting the LGA to benefit from the programme, which he described as critical to improving access to clean water and sanitation.
The KADSURWASH programme, aligned with the ‘Sustain Agenda’ of Governor Uba Sani, seeks to accelerate universal access to clean water and improved sanitation in both urban and rural communities of Kaduna State. It is being implemented through partnerships involving the World Bank, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the Kaduna State Government.
As the programme continues to gain momentum, the people of Jema’a LGA look forward to a future where clean water and dignified sanitation services are no longer a privilege but a basic right for all.
Bulus Godwin is Public Affairs Officer, KADRUWASSA
