Akwa Ibom State Advances Sustainable Development Goals through WASH Roadmap Implementation

Commitment to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Initiatives

The Akwa Ibom State government has reaffirmed its dedication to the effective implementation of the Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) roadmap. This commitment aims to provide adequate water supply and ensure the state becomes open defecation-free by 2030, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

Key Resolutions from the State Executive Council Meeting

During the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting, presided over by Governor Umo Eno at the Executive Chamber in Uyo, several critical decisions were made to advance the WASH agenda:

1. Integration of WASH in the ARISE Agenda: The Governor emphasized the importance of water, sanitation, and ending open defecation as crucial components of the ARISE agenda, urging cabinet members to coordinate and implement related policies effectively through their ministries, departments, and agencies.
2. Review of WASH Documents: The council reviewed key documents presented by the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, including:
   • WASH Policy
   • WASH Monitoring and Evaluation Framework
   • Roadmap for Achieving Open Defecation-Free Status by 2030
   • State Water Regulation Bill 2025
3. Legislative Actions: The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice were directed to transmit the draft State Water Regulation Bill to the House of Assembly for consideration and enactment into law, reinforcing the legal framework for sustainable water management.

Additional Strategic Decisions Supporting Sustainable Development

• Investment Review: The SEC reviewed the state’s investment portfolio and instructed the Akwa Ibom State Investment Corporation (AKICORP) to divest from non-profitable companies and ventures, promoting economic sustainability aligned with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
• Governance Enhancements: Approval was given to include the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, alongside the Commissioner for Finance, as statutory members of all boards of government-owned establishments, ensuring improved oversight and accountability.
• Ministry Oversight: Following the resignation of the Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep SeaPort, the Finance Commissioner was mandated to oversee the ministry to guarantee the seamless continuation and timely delivery of projects and programs, supporting SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

Conclusion

Akwa Ibom State’s strategic focus on enhancing water supply, sanitation, and hygiene reflects a strong alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6. The government’s proactive measures in policy review, legislative action, and institutional governance demonstrate a comprehensive approach to achieving sustainable development and improving the quality of life for its citizens by 2030.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article focuses on the commitment of Akwa Ibom State government to improve water supply, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), aiming to make the state open defecation-free by 2030.
   • The implementation of WASH policies, monitoring frameworks, and water regulation bills directly relate to SDG 6.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Improved sanitation and hygiene contribute to better health outcomes by reducing waterborne diseases and promoting well-being.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The efforts to improve sanitation and water infrastructure contribute to making communities safer and more sustainable.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. Under SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • Target 6.2: Achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation by 2030.
   • Target 6.a: Expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water and sanitation-related activities.
2. Under SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
3. Under SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services, including sanitation.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Indicators Related to SDG 6
   • Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.
   • Proportion of population using safely managed sanitation services, including a focus on eliminating open defecation.
   • Existence and implementation of WASH policies and monitoring frameworks (implied through the review of WASH documents and monitoring and evaluation frameworks).
   • Legal frameworks such as the state water regulation bill 2025, indicating institutional measures to support water and sanitation goals.
2. Indicators Related to SDG 3
   • Incidence of waterborne diseases and related health outcomes (implied through the focus on sanitation and hygiene improvements).
3. Indicators Related to SDG 11
   • Access to basic services including sanitation in urban and rural communities.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: tribuneonlineng.com