By Stella Agbeyeke
in a bid to promote a safe and inclusive working environment for contractors and staff, Delta Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) has organized a comprehensive training session on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Code of Conduct, Waste Management, and Operational Health Safety for 2024 successful Sustainable Urban Rural Water Supply Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) contractors.
The General Manager of the Agency, Engr. Clement Adiotomre while addressing the successful SURWASH Contractors during a one-day training which held in Asaba said the training was to underscore the importance for contractors to understand the implications of their actions on the environment and the society in which they operate.
According to Mr. Adiotomre, being aware of their responsibilities and taking proactive steps to address these issues was needed to ensure that their work was conducted in a sustainable and socially responsible manner.
He said there the State government through RUWASSA was willing to partner with the contractor towards delivering quality jobs for people living in the rural areas, stating that “together, we can make a positive impact on our environment and the communities we serve”.
The training session, which was attended by a diverse group of contractors, Staff and project supervisors from SURWASH projects, raised awareness on the importance of promoting gender equality, maintaining ethical behaviour, managing waste responsibly, and ensuring the health and safety of all individuals on construction sites with different resource persons taking turns to expound on the need to deliver quality projects as well as ensuring a safe environment.
The session on Gender-Based Violence focused on educating participants about the different forms of GBV, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and the impact it can have on individuals and communities. Contractors and staff were encouraged to be vigilant and report any instances of GBV they may witness or experience.
The discussion on the Code of Conduct emphasized the importance of upholding professional ethics and integrity in all aspects of work. Participants were reminded of the ethical standards expected of them while working on SURWASH projects and the consequences of violating these standards.
Waste Management was another crucial topic covered during the training session with Contractors and staff educated on the proper handling, disposal, and recycling of waste materials to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainability in construction practices.
Lastly, the training included a segment on Operational Health Safety, focusing on identifying and mitigating potential hazards in the workplace to ensure the well-being of all individuals involved in SURWASH projects. Participants were equipped with essential knowledge and skills to prevent accidents and promote a culture of safety on construction sites.
SURWASH contractors and staff, expressed appreciation for the valuable information and practical guidance provided assuring that they would prioritize GBV prevention, ethical behavior, waste management, and operational health safety at their various locations.
