The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on the Bauchi State Government to establish a policy for the effective management of faecal sludge. Emphasizing the critical need for improved practices to safeguard public health, especially among vulnerable groups like children and women, Dr. Tushar Rane, Chief of the UNICEF Field Office in Bauchi, delivered this message during a three-day workshop focused on developing strategies for climate-resilient faecal sludge management in the state.
The workshop aimed to formulate guidelines and frameworks for service delivery, regulation, and investment in faecal sludge management. Rane underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between UNICEF, the Bauchi State Government, and other partners, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to promote environmentally friendly approaches to faecal sludge management.
Acknowledging Bauchi’s leadership in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions, Rane emphasized that effective faecal sludge management is pivotal for achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to water, sanitation, and hygiene.
In response, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Environment and Housing, Mr Danlami Kaule, expressed gratitude to UNICEF for its technical assistance and highlighted ongoing efforts by the state’s regulatory agency, BASEPA, to formalize and enhance the faecal sludge management value chain through capacity building and draft guidelines.
The workshop, organized by the Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency in collaboration with the Rural Water Supply & Sanitation Agency and supported by UNICEF and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, underscores the collective commitment to address faecal sludge management challenges in the state.
