By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
The Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme in Gombe State has held an exit meeting following the assessment conducted by the Independent Verification Agent (IVA), highlighting key achievements and gaps in project implementation across the state.
In a statement issued by the Communication Officer of the programme, Hauwa Abubakar Jijji, the meeting brought together major implementing agencies, including the Gombe State Environmental Protection Agency (GOSEPA), Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, and the Gombe State Water Board.
Speaking at the meeting, the Programme Coordinator, Engr. Usman A. Aliyu, who was represented by the Sanitation Officer, Umar Kwami, commended the IVA team for its diligence and professionalism during the verification exercise.
He noted that the assessment, which involved field visits and document reviews, was crucial in promoting transparency and accountability in the submission of Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs).
Aliyu emphasized that the verification process is vital to strengthening service delivery and ensuring that reported achievements reflect the actual impact on communities.
Presenting the findings, the Independent Verification Agent, Mr. Gashion Nahum Kutyil, acknowledged the significant progress recorded under the SURWASH programme, particularly in the provision of water supply infrastructure and improved sanitation facilities in both urban and rural areas.
However, he identified discrepancies in some of the DLI submissions by implementing agencies.
According to him, certain projects reported as completed were not fully verified on-site, while inconsistencies were observed between submitted documentation and field realities.
He stressed the need for improved data management, accurate reporting, and stronger inter-agency coordination to meet verification standards.
Responding, representatives of the implementing agencies acknowledged the gaps and reaffirmed their commitment to addressing the issues raised.
They attributed some of the challenges to difficult terrain, delays in project execution, and lapses in documentation, while assuring stakeholders of corrective measures.
In her closing remarks, the Acting Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Belinda Eman Elisha, described the verification exercise as a valuable learning process rather than a fault-finding mission.
She noted that the findings present an opportunity to strengthen systems and enhance the credibility of programme reporting.
“We remain committed to working with all agencies to address the identified gaps and improve overall programme performance,” she said.
The SURWASH programme, supported by the World Bank, is designed to improve access to sustainable water supply, sanitation, and hygiene services across participating states in Nigeria.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to ensure accuracy in DLI reporting and sustain progress towards achieving the programme’s objectives in Gombe State.
