The Kaduna government, in partnership with UNICEF and funding support from the Netherlands, has concluded a major training programme aimed at strengthening the sustainability of rural water supply systems across the state.

No fewer than 21 local mechanics have graduated from an intensive training on the rehabilitation and maintenance of hand-pumped and solar-powered boreholes in their communities.

Speaking at the closing ceremony on Thursday in Kaduna, Gerida Birukila, the UNICEF chief of the field office in Kaduna, reiterated the importance of building local capacity to ensure long-term access to clean water and sanitation in rural communities.

She said, “It’s not enough to provide water facilities like boreholes or sanitation infrastructure if they can’t be repaired when they break down. So sustainability is key.”

Among the graduates were two women, a significant milestone in UNICEF’s ongoing efforts to promote gender inclusion in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene sector

“We hope to see a sustained supply of clean water across all local government areas. I want to see children staying in school, reduced disease outbreaks, and communities becoming healthier and more resilient.

“Water is life. Access to clean water reduces illness, boosts school attendance, and improves nutrition. With these mechanics now in place, communities can look forward to safer, healthier lives,” Ms Birukula said.

The director-general of the Kaduna State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Mubarak Ladan, reiterated that the training was designed not only to provide skills but also to foster local ownership of water infrastructure.

Mr Ladan said that constructing facilities and handing them over to communities is not enough.

“There must be strategies for proper ownership and long-term maintenance,” he said.

The newly trained local mechanics were presented with start-up toolboxes and certificates, enabling them to begin immediate service in their communities.

The training is part of the broader Accelerating Sanitation and Water for All initiative, which aims to increase access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services in underserved communities.

In Kaduna, the project is being implemented in Lere and Kagarko LGAs, based on a transparent selection process.

Local governments were invited to apply, and the two LGAs were selected based on pre-established criteria, rather than through direct nomination by UNICEF or RUWASSA.

(NAN)