September 18, 2024, marked a significant day for the Gombe State Environmental Sanitation and Protection Agency as it welcomed a high-level delegation from the National Program Coordinator for the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Programme.
The team, led by National Program Coordinator Engr. Abdulhamid Gwaram, was on a midterm review mission to assess the program’s progress, address challenges, and improve performance.
As the delegation arrived, GOSEPA’s Director of Administration and Finance, Alhaji Yahaya Sa’adu, stepped in to represent the Executive Secretary, Auwalu Baba Jada. Sa’adu ensured a warm reception, setting the tone for a productive meeting.
Engr. Gwaram commended GOSEPA’s commitment to providing sanitation facilities and tackling open defecation in the state. “We appreciate GOSEPA’s efforts in actualizing the program’s objectives,” he said. “However, we must work together to address the challenges ahead.” He emphasised the need for increased collaboration among stakeholders to overcome obstacles and achieve the program’s goals.
State Programme Coordinator Engr. Usman Abubakar Aliyu, echoed Gwaram’s sentiments, urging implementing agencies to work synergistically with the State Program Implementation Unit (SPIU). “Teamwork is crucial to achieving our targets,” Aliyu stressed.
World Bank representatives Mr. Naseer Majidi and Hajiya Zara Goni provided insight into the midterm review mission’s objectives. “We’re here to build on previous discussions, harmonize efforts, and enhance program performance,” Majidi explained. Goni added, “Our goal is to guide the state team in assessing the program’s implementation prospects and improving its overall impact.”
The NG-SURWASH Program, supported by the World Bank, aims to provide clean water supply and sanitation services to participating states. In Gombe, GOSEPA plays a vital role as one of the implementing agencies, responsible for urban and small towns sanitation services.
As the meeting drew to a close, the stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the lives of Gombe residents through sustainable water supply, sanitation, and hygiene services. The successful review mission marked a significant step forward in achieving the program’s objectives.
With renewed determination, GOSEPA and its partners are poised to tackle the challenges ahead, ensuring that the people of Gombe State benefit from the NG-SURWASH Program’s life-changing initiatives.
Abubakar Mohammed Tukur
Information Officer, GOSEPA
