By WaterAid Nigeria has called on the Bauchi State Cholera Technical Working Group (TWG) to prioritise the rehabilitation of broken Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in its annual budget.
Speaking at the end of the TWG meeting on Monday in Bauchi, the organisation’s State Team Lead, Mashat Mallo, stressed that urgent action was necessary to strengthen the state’s response to cholera and other waterborne diseases.
Represented by Kashim Alex, Business Development Officer of WaterAid, Mallo warned against over-reliance on donor funding, describing it as unsustainable in the long term.
He noted that donors often channel resources through ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) specifically for the maintenance and sustainability of WASH infrastructure.
According to him, stakeholders must ensure that such funds are properly utilised to repair existing facilities rather than waiting for new interventions.
“You need to review your WASH budget allocations and make better use of available donor-supported resources to fix broken facilities instead of expecting fresh funding,” he advised.
Mallo also expressed optimism over the inauguration of the Cholera Technical Working Group, which resolved to meet monthly, while its steering committee would hold quarterly meetings.
He added that stronger collaboration with civil society organisations, religious institutions, and the media would play a critical role in preventing and controlling cholera outbreaks in the state.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, Sani Dambam, said the Bauchi State Government was committed to adopting preventive strategies to tackle cholera.
He explained that the state would focus on nine key areas, including disease surveillance, sustained administration of oral cholera vaccines, leadership coordination, risk communication, and community engagement.
The commissioner further urged stakeholders to intensify public awareness campaigns against unhygienic practices, particularly during the first quarter of the year when cholera cases are usually at their peak.
He reaffirmed the government’s determination to work with partners to improve public health and ensure access to safe water and sanitation for all residents of the state.
