Kaduna Empowers Over 120 Residents in Sabon Gari to Protect Water and Sanitation Projects
In a major step toward community-driven development, the Kaduna State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (KADRUWASSA) has trained more than 120 community members in Sabon Gari Local Government Area on grievance redress and project safeguarding.
The training, held at the Sabon Gari Local Government Secretariat, was part of the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) program.
It marked the official establishment and inauguration of Community Grievance Redress Committees to strengthen local accountability and protect vital infrastructure.
Participants came from several communities, including Tohu, Unguwan Na Allah, Unguwan Makera, Hayin Liman, Tudun Munsira, Taurawa, Kwangila, Dupa-Dupa, Basawa, Daurawa, Hayin Ojo, Sakadadi, and Katangan Unguwan Sarki.
Gamaliel Stephen Jangalu, Technical Assistant (KADSURWASH), explained that SURWASH is a seven-year program jointly run by the federal and state governments, supported by a World Bank loan.
The initiative aims to improve water supply and sanitation services across seven states: Kaduna, Gombe, Plateau, Delta, Ekiti, Katsina, and Imo.
In Kaduna State, six local government areas of Soba, Sabon Gari, Chikun, Igabi, Jaba, and Jema’a are set to benefit.
Jangalu urged participants to protect and sustain these projects to attract future investments, emphasizing that the projects should not be politicized and that all credit goes to the state government.
Hajiya Halima Uba Abba, Environmental Safeguard Officer (KADSURWASH), emphasized the importance of voluntary land donation, active community engagement, and collective facility maintenance, while also warning against vandalism.
Ms. Mercy Madaki, Social Safeguard Officer at KADRUWASSA, advised residents to keep teenagers away from project sites and prepare youth for potential employment opportunities.
She reminded them that resolving grievances during and after construction lies at the heart of the newly formed committees.
Several participants expressed gratitude to the Director General of KADRUWASSA, Engr. Mubarak Shehu Ladan, and the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, for prioritizing smaller towns and rural communities under the SURWASH program.
This training reaffirms KADRUWASSA’s commitment to fostering community ownership, protecting vital infrastructure, and ensuring long-term sustainability of water and sanitation services in Kaduna State.
By Bulus Godwin
Public Affairs Officer, KADRUWASSA
