“Unlocking the Future: A Journey Through Innovation and Imagination” SURWASH Intervention in Plateau State

In Plateau State, SURWASH operates in five local government areas (LGAs): Langtang North, Wase, Jos South, Bokkos, and Mangu. Each LGA presents unique challenges and opportunities for enhancing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) standards.

Langtang North is renowned for its agricultural activities, focusing on integrating WASH programs with farming practices to ensure sustainable water use. Wase, which has a diverse population, requires tailored approaches to meet the varying WASH needs of its communities.

Jos South, a more urbanized area, faces the challenge of providing adequate sanitation facilities in densely populated neighborhoods. Characterized by its rural landscape, Bokkos needs substantial efforts to develop infrastructure that can withstand the region’s climatic conditions. Mangu, celebrated for its cultural heritage, offers an opportunity to incorporate traditional knowledge and practices into modern WASH strategies.

The upcoming SURWASH Independent Verification Agent (IVA) assessment for 2024 will occur in four LGAs: Jos South, Bokkos, Mangu, and Wase. This assessment aims to evaluate the progress and impact of SURWASH initiatives, ensuring that the programs effectively meet the needs of the communities. The data collected from this assessment will guide future interventions and policymaking to enhance overall WASH standards in Plateau State.

Table 1 SURWASH Intervention in Plateau State

LGA	Focus	Challenges	Opportunities	2024 IVA Assessment
Langtang North	Integrating WASH programs with farming practices	Requires sustainable water use	Agricultural activities	Yes
Wase	Tailored approaches for a diverse population	Varying WASH needs across communities	Diverse population	Yes
Jos South	Providing adequate sanitation facilities	Densely populated neighborhoods	Urbanized area	Yes
Bokkos	Building infrastructure	Withstand climatic conditions	Rural landscape	Yes
Mangu	Incorporating traditional knowledge	Integrating modern WASH strategies	Cultural heritage	No

By Dr. Ishaku Ziyok

Managing Director

Mal-Weng Nig Ltd.

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