A Bauchi-based group, Alliance for Child Care, Health and Women Initiative (ACCAWEI), says it has targeted 118 households to improved latrine use and water management in the state.
The project is being implemented by the Development Exchange Centre – Small Scale Project Fund (DEC-SSPF), to enhance hygiene, water management, and excreta disposal in Galambi and Birshi communities.
Juliana Enoch, WASH Desk Officer, said this on Monday, July 28, 2025, during the close-out of a six-month project at Birshi community in Bauchi Local Government Area of the state.
She highlited that the project improved hygiene practices since inception in the benefitting communities.
“Based on a baseline survey, only seven out of the 70 households used dropholes to cover their pit toilets. However, by the end of the project, 67 households had adopted the practice.
“Also, during the initial survey, 77 households were found using cups to fetch drinking water from storage containers, and its completion, 115 households had adopted safer water-handling practices,” she said.
Enoch said the project also rehabilitated hand pumps to improve access to clean water in Birshi community, leading to the reduction in diarrhea disease cases from 227 to 22.
The WASH officer said the project also engaged 24 Village Hygiene Promoters (VHPs), who conducted house-to-house sensitisation to encourage behavioral change.
“We relied on our volunteers because house-to-house mobilisation is key to achieving our objectives.”
Enoch lauded the Bauchi Local Government WASH Unit, and the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) for their supports.
Alhaji Mohammed Lawal, a community leader, commended the gesture, and pledged to step down hygiene messages to promote good sanitation in the area.
“Hygiene education remains instrumental in preventing diseases in our communities. Scaling this project to other areas in Birshi will go a long way in sustaining positive health outcomes,” he said.
Also, Sani Adamu, one of the VHP volunteers, commended the organisation for its commitment towards promoting good hygiene practices.
By Amina Ahmed