Kaduna State Government has trained Twenty One Local Area Mechanics for continuous maintenance of Water Facilities across the state towards achieving sustainable clean water supply to the resident.
Director General of State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, (RUWASSA), EngineerMubarak Shehu Ladan stated this in Kaduna at the end of a Three day training and presentation of Water Supply facilities to Local Area Mechanics.
He said the exercise was supported by UNICEF in collaboration with the Netherlands Government to provide skills and foster local ownership of water infrastructure for long-term maintenance and sustainable water supply in the communities.
Engineer Mubarak stressed that the training was part of the broader Accelerating Sanitation and Water for All (ASWA III) initiative, which focuses on increasing access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services in underserved communities.
He emphasized that the project is being implemented in Lere and Kagarko LGAs, which were selected based on pre-established criteria not through direct nomination by UNICEF or RUWASSA.
UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Kaduna, Dr. Gerida Birukila, said sustainability is key to any development and expressed satisfaction with the commitment of the kaduna State Government and RUWASSA towards ensuring long-term access to clean water and sanitation in rural communities.
Dr. Gerida expressed excitement that Among the Local Area Mechanics were two women describing it as a significant milestone in UNICEF’s ongoing efforts to promote gender inclusion in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene program.
The Chairman Kudan Local Government Area who spoke on behalf of the 13 Local Government Chairmen present at the event, said the gesture will reduce issues of contaminated water and related diseases.
He pledged that the Local Authorities will not only support but also especially now that have been provided with start-up toolboxes and certificates for discharge of services in the communities.
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