By Bashir Hassan
The General Manager of the Bauchi State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Dr. Sama’ila Jibrin Elnafate, has pledged the Agency’s partnership with Journalists for Public Health and Development Initiative (J4PD) to promote behavioural change and improve water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) practices across communities in Bauchi State.
Elnafate made the commitment when the management team of J4PD, led by its Executive Director, Elizabeth Kah, paid an advocacy visit to the agency in Bauchi recently.
The GM stressed that government alone cannot address the challenges of sanitation and hygiene, noting that community ownership and behavioural change are critical to sustaining WASH facilities. He expressed concern over poor sanitation practices and their potential contribution to the spread of preventable diseases, including cholera, while calling for greater community participation in the management and maintenance of rural water schemes.
He also disclosed plans to intensify public enlightenment through radio and television to promote safe water use, improved hygiene and the protection of government-provided facilities.
Earlier, the Executive Director of J4PD Elizabeth Kah said the advocacy visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with RUWASSA and drawing greater attention to access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene services in underserved rural communities.
She said J4PD would support efforts to identify challenges affecting the provision and sustainability of rural WASH facilities, while advocating stronger community ownership, sustained government investment and improved hygiene practices.
Kah also highlighted the role of the media in promoting accountability and behavioural change through evidence-based reporting, community-focused public education, project monitoring and increased public awareness of WASH issues.