By Olufunmi
The Gombe State Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Programme (SURWASH) held a two-day retreat aimed at fostering enhanced cooperation and coordination between the program and critical stakeholders.
The retreat focused on aligning efforts to achieve the implementation goals of SURWASH in Gombe State.
The Commissioner for the Ministry of Water Resources and Environment (MWR&E), Hon. Muhammad Saidu Pawu, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the success of SURWASH.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing water supply and sanitation challenges in both urban and rural areas of Gombe State.
According to him, “this will strengthening partnerships for sustainable water and sanitation in Gombe State.
On his part, the National Program Coordinator, NG-SURWASH Engr. Abdullahi Gwaram commended Gombe State for its proactive measures and commitment to the SURWASH initiative. He encouraged stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and leverage resources for sustainable results.
Task Team Leader, NG-SURWASH World Bank Representative reiterated the international community’s support for SURWASH, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in implementing the program’s objectives. The representative also stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement as a critical factor in the program’s success.
Chairman, House Committee on Water, Gombe State House of Assembly – Hon. Musa Manaja Zambuk assured participants of the legislature’s unwavering support in enacting policies and providing oversight to strengthen water and sanitation initiatives. He applauded the retreat as a timely intervention for fostering synergy among stakeholders.
The retreat serve as a platform for dialogue, capacity building, and consensus building among stakeholders.
“The participants collectively agreed on actionable steps to address challenges, improve coordination, and ensure the effective implementation of SURWASH in Gombe State.
Gombe State remains committed to its vision of providing sustainable and equitable access to water and sanitation, setting a precedent for other regions in Nigeria.