Monday 19 October 2015

Water and Sanitation REFORMS vs Nigeria's Unenviable Open Defecation World Record.



  1. Problem: There is an insufficiency in water availability in Nigeria. Only 0.02% of an irrigation potential of 3.14 million hectares is currently in use. Only 18% of an impounded water potential of 31 billion cubic metres in 200 dams is effectively utilised. Nigeria has one of the highest rates of open defecation in the world.

    Reform Actions:
    Re-establishment of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources in 2010
    - Presidential Retreat on Water in 2013
    - Strengthening of Policies and Strategies on Water
    - Development of Water Sector Roadmap in 2011
    - Engagement of Stakeholders
    - Establishment of a Water Sector Reform and PPP Unit
    - Release of Annual Flood Outlook from 2013
    - Revitalisation of the River Basin Authorities
    - Completion of New Dams in 2012
    - Major Water Schemes across the country.

    Main Achievements: Reforms have increased access to potable water from 58% to 65% coverage, while access to improved sanitation facilities moved from 32% to 41%. Reforms have also led to rehabilitation of 12 River Basin Development Authorities and construction of nine new dams.

    Key Challenges: 
    • (a) 60% of water in urban areas is unaccounted for; and 
      (b) Nigeria has the highest rate of public defecation in Africa and one of the highest rates in the world; the trend has worsened from 23 million people practicing open defecation in 1990 rising to 39 million in 2012; 
      (c) many rural water initiatives have failed and often produce no water beyond the date of commissioning; and 
      (d) the use of private bore holes by citizens is a major feature of this sector. 

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