THE Delta State Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (STOWASSA) has emphasized the need for active community and stakeholder participation in the administration of water supply, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services across small towns in Delta State.
This call was made by the General Manager of the agency, Engr. Unuafe Anthony, during a two-day stakeholders’ engagement and training program held in Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area.
The event, organized under the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) program, aimed to build the capacity of 70 master trainers on various WASH management guidelines.
Participants were trained on topics including the roles of Water Consumer Associations (WCAs), Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), Governance Risk Compliance (GRC), Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), Environment and Social (E&S) management, Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC), and effective community leadership.
In his opening remarks, Engr. Unuafe highlighted the program’s objective of ensuring sustainable WASH services across six local government areas and 39 communities. He explained that the training equips participants to become trainers within their communities, fostering a sense of ownership and sustainability for water and sanitation facilities.
“The specific objectives of this training include guiding Water Consumer Association members to understand their roles and responsibilities as managers of community WASH programs and equipping them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools to execute their duties effectively,” he stated.
Engr. Unuafe identified two major challenges faced by communities: low hygiene practices at the household level and the need for timely repairs of water facilities. He urged participants to address these issues and sustain water schemes in line with the mandates of their respective committees.
The training, held from December 20–21, underscores STOWASSA’s commitment to strengthening community involvement in WASH services, ensuring improved access to clean water and sanitation across Delta State.
