By Aliyu Gerengi, Gombe
The Society for Water and Sanitation, NEWSAN, Gombe State chapter, paid a courtesy visit to the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene, SURWASH, programme in Gombe State to explore areas of collaboration aimed at strengthening water, sanitation and hygiene, WASH, service delivery across the state.
The delegation, led by the Chairman of NEWSAN, was received by the SURWASH Programme Coordinator alongside key officials of the State Project Coordination Unit, SPCU.
Speaking during the visit, the NEWSAN State Coordinator, Idris Lawanti, commended the achievements of the SURWASH programme in improving access to clean water, sanitation facilities and hygiene services in communities across Gombe State. He said the visit was aimed at fostering a strong partnership between both organisations to promote sustainable WASH interventions, community engagement and advocacy.
According to him, collaboration between NEWSAN and SURWASH would provide an opportunity to leverage the strengths of both organisations in addressing WASH challenges and ensuring communities benefit from improved water and sanitation services.
In his response, the SURWASH Programme Coordinator, Engr. Usman A. Aliyu, welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the visit. He highlighted the importance of partnerships in achieving the objectives of the WASH sector and assured NEWSAN of the programme’s willingness to work together in areas that would enhance service delivery and sustainability.
He noted that SURWASH remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote access to safe water, improved sanitation and hygiene practices, in line with the development goals of Gombe State and the federal government.
The meeting featured discussions on potential areas of collaboration, including WASH advocacy, capacity building, community sensitisation, policy support and joint efforts toward achieving sustainable development in the water and sanitation sector.
The visit concluded with a mutual commitment by both organisations to strengthen cooperation and work together to improve the quality of life of residents through enhanced water, sanitation and hygiene services across Gombe State.
