Kaduna-SURWASH

09/07/2026

Kaduna Strengthens SURWASH Implementation, Adopts Action Plan to Improve WASH Service Delivery

The Kaduna State Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure has reaffirmed its commitment to improving access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene services through a two-day stakeholders' retreat held under the World Bank-supported Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme.

The retreat, held from 6th–7th July 2026 at Global Luxury Suites, Kano, brought together members of the State Steering Committee, heads of implementing agencies, representatives of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Local Government officials and development partners to review progress, address implementation challenges and develop practical strategies for improved service delivery.

In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure and Acting Chairman of the State Steering Committee, Alhaji Ashiru Abdu Na Abdu, stressed the need to strengthen the functionality of the 23 Local Government WASH Departments through proper staffing, documentation and dedicated budgetary support.
He also called for the integration of the Environmental and Social Screening Assessment Mechanism (ESSAM) into WASH procurement processes and the establishment of WASH Clubs in schools across SURWASH-supported communities.
The retreat provided stakeholders with an opportunity to critically assess the current status of SURWASH implementation in Kaduna State, identify performance gaps and agree on practical solutions to accelerate the achievement of programme objectives.
A key outcome of the retreat was the adoption of clear action plans with defined responsibilities, timelines and expected outputs. Participants also agreed on strategic action points to strengthen coordination, improve accountability, remove implementation bottlenecks and enhance the delivery of water, sanitation and hygiene services across Kaduna State.

The Ministry remains committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that the resolutions reached at the retreat are fully implemented, translating into improved WASH services and better quality of life for the people of Kaduna State.

26/03/2026

World Water Day 2026: Kaduna State Drives Gender Equality Through Water Access

Kaduna State marked the 2026 World Water Day with a strong commitment to improving access to clean water and promoting gender equality.

Speaking shortly after the road walk at a press briefing, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure, Alhaji Ashiru Abdu Na Abdu, represented by the Deputy Director, Water Resources, Engr. David Roven Aliyu highlighted this year’s theme: “Water and Gender: Where Water Flows, Equality Grows.”
He emphasized that women and girls are disproportionately affected by water scarcity, impacting their health, education, safety, and economic opportunities.

💧 Key Highlights:
Expansion of water infrastructure to underserved rural communities

Increased involvement of women in water management decisions
Improved sanitation and hygiene facilities in schools

🚰 Impactful Initiatives:
SURWASH Programme – delivering clean water and sanitation to over 30,000 people

⚙️ Progress So Far:
Rehabilitation of water treatment plants and pipeline expansion nearing 97% completion

Improved water supply across urban centres — water is flowing again in many homes

Sustainability Focus:
Community ownership of water facilities
Partnerships with NGOs and development agencies
Adoption of solar-powered and community-managed water systems

📢 The government calls on citizens to: ✔️ Pay water bills promptly
✔️ Protect public water infrastructure
✔️ Report leaks and damages

Together, Kaduna State is working towards clean water for all and advancing gender equality, in line with SDG 6.

10/03/2026

Building Capacity for Sustainable WASH: Kaduna Stakeholders Strengthen Knowledge on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.

The recently concluded WASH capacity-building workshop recorded remarkable success, bringing together key stakeholders from the Ministry of Public Works & Infrastructure, SURWASH Implementing Agencies and the State Programme Coordinating Unit who were committed to improving water, sanitation and hygiene services for healthier communities.

The workshop provided participants with a deeper understanding of the critical relationship between water supply, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and their direct impact on public health, environmental safety, and sustainable development. Through engaging sessions and practical discussions, participants explored how improved WASH services play a vital role in preventing diseases, reducing child mortality, and strengthening community resilience.
Participants were also equipped with practical knowledge and skills to effectively support the planning, operation, monitoring, and evaluation of WASH facilities and services, ensuring that water and sanitation infrastructure remains functional, accessible, and sustainable for communities.

A major highlight of the workshop was the focus on behavioural change strategies for sustainable WASH practices. Participants learned innovative approaches to promoting positive hygiene behaviours at the household and community levels, recognising that lasting change goes beyond infrastructure to include community ownership and participation.

In addition, the training addressed the importance of WASH planning in disaster and conflict-affected areas, providing participants with the tools needed to ensure safe water and sanitation services even in emergency situations.
Overall, the workshop strengthened the capacity of participants to champion improved WASH practices, promote healthier communities, and contribute meaningfully to public health outcomes.

Together, through knowledge sharing and collaboration, we continue to advance the goal of safe water, improved sanitation, and better health for all.
Kaduna-SURWASH Kaduna State Ministry of Health Kaduna State Water Services Regulatory Commission World Bank Nigeria

04/03/2026

Day 2 Highlights: Driving Sustainable WASH Action in Kaduna State.

Day 2 of the Sustainable Community WASH Promotion Training under Kaduna State SURWASH focused on practical strategies to strengthen hygiene, sanitation, and community ownership.
Participants began with a recap session to reinforce learning before engaging in discussions on the critical role of hygiene in disease prevention. Improved hygiene practices were highlighted as key to promoting good health, boosting productivity, supporting education, strengthening the economy, and protecting the environment.

Through interactive sessions, participants explored the three pillars of WASH Hygiene, Sanitation, and Promotion emphasizing that lasting behavior change is the foundation of sustainable impact.
The training also introduced the Sanitation Ladder, guiding communities to transition from open defecation to safely managed sanitation systems in line with SDG 6. Practical solutions discussed included pit latrines, VIP latrines, pour-flush systems, septic tanks, centralized sewer systems, and on-site waste containment.

Key challenges identified included low political prioritization, weak collaboration, inadequate approaches, and knowledge gaps. The importance of the “3 As” Availability, Affordability, and Accessibility was strongly emphasized.
Through SURWASH, Kaduna State is not just building infrastructure it is building sustainable systems and fostering a culture of health, dignity, and environmental responsibility.

03/03/2026

Kaduna Strengthens WASH Delivery as Amorah Hydrogen Links Ltd Partners Ministry on 3-Day SURWASH Capacity Building Training

Amorah Hydrogen Links Ltd, in collaboration with the Kaduna State Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure, has commenced a three-day capacity-building training on Sustainable Urban and Rural Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) in Kaduna State.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Honourable Commissioner of Public Works and Infrastructure, Arc. Ibrahim Hamza, who was represented by the Director of Water Supply, Engr. Usman Ibrahim, warmly welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of the training. He urged all attendees to fully engage with the sessions and maximize the knowledge gained to strengthen programme implementation in the state.

The training is designed to equip participants with the technical knowledge and practical skills required to effectively implement Urban and Rural WASH initiatives. It focuses on promoting best practices in operations, monitoring and evaluation, improving coordination and oversight of activities, and ensuring the long-term functionality and sustainability of WASH infrastructure and service delivery systems.

Participants were drawn from the SURWASH State Project Coordinating Unit (SPCU) and various implementing agencies, reflecting a shared commitment to improving access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services for communities across Kaduna State.

This initiative reinforces the state government’s dedication to sustainable water and sanitation development, improved public health outcomes, and enhanced quality of life for its citizens.
Kaduna-SURWASH Kaduna State Water Services Regulatory Commission Kaduna State Ministry of Health

01/12/2025

30/11/2025

Kaduna SURWASH Team Pays High-Level Advocacy Visit to Emir of Zazzau, Seeks Stronger Collaboration on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene

In its drive to deepen stakeholder engagement and strengthen collaboration for improved service delivery, the Kaduna State Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme has paid a high-level advocacy visit to the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli.

The delegation was led by the Honourable Commissioner for Public Works and Infrastructure, Architect Ibrahim Hamza Soba, who informed the Emir that the Kaduna State Government has approved major contracts for the rehabilitation of critical water treatment plants and booster stations. These include the 150, 50, and 10 million-liters-per-day facilities in Zaria, as well as others in Kaduna North, Kaduna South, and surrounding communities.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Ashiru Abdu Na Abdu, the Commissioner explained that the government is also undertaking a comprehensive review of laws governing water supply, sanitation, and waste management to enhance institutional capacity and ensure long-term sustainability of the water sector.

He noted that the administration inherited a severely distressed water system plagued by unpaid staff salaries, dilapidated facilities, and extremely low production levels. As part of efforts to stabilize operations, the government has cleared an eleven-month salary backlog owed to staff of the Kaduna State Water Corporation, amounting to about ₦900 million.

The Commissioner further revealed that the government has regularized and integrated “cash work” staff into the formal civil service structure to promote accountability, improve workforce management, and enhance service delivery.

He added that the advocacy visit was intended to brief the Emir on the ongoing interventions across the water sector and to secure stronger community ownership and protection of water and sanitation facilities provided under SURWASH.

According to him, capacity utilization of the state’s water system was below 10 percent when the administration assumed office. However, with current interventions, production levels are projected to rise to nearly 70 percent by the first quarter of next year, Insha Allah.

Expressing concern over persistent vandalism of treatment plants, booster stations, power lines, and critical equipment, the Commissioner warned that such acts continue to undermine water supply and worsen the hardships faced by residents. He appealed to communities to safeguard water infrastructure and promptly report any suspicious activities.

In his response, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, commended the government's commitment to improving water supply but noted that weak enforcement and absence of punitive measures continue to encourage vandalism and destruction of public assets. He assured the delegation of the full support of the Zazzau Emirate Council, including intensified community sensitization and stronger collaboration to protect water installations and ensure that government investments yield sustainable benefits.

The Permanent Secretary was accompanied by the Programme Coordinator, Engr. Esau A. Ambinjah; Director General of the Kaduna State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Engr. Mubarak Ladan; Managing Director of the Kaduna State Water Corporation, Engr. Kabir Ahmad Rufa’i; Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Water Service Regulatory Commission, Dr. Bashir Dogora; the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Environmental Protection Authority, Mal. Sulaiman Ibrahim as well as other officials from the SURWASH Coordinating Unit and implementing agencies.



World Bank Nigeria Kaduna-SURWASH Kaduna State Water Services Regulatory Commission Kano AGILE Project The Governor of Kaduna State The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State

19/11/2025

Kaduna State SURWASH Programme Re-Trains Local Government Grievance Redress Committees

The Kaduna State Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme has organized a one-day re-training workshop for members of the Local Government Level Grievance Redress Committees (GRCs).

The re-training was designed to refresh committee members on the standard procedures for handling grievances, as well as their roles and expectations during the pre-implementation, implementation, and post-implementation phases of the SURWASH Programme.

While taking participants through the training, the Technical Assistance on Social Safeguard, Mr. Leonell Echa, emphasized that the objective of the workshop is to ensure that no harm or hurt is done to anyone in the course of executing programme activities. He reiterated that protecting community members and ensuring accountability remain central to SURWASH operations.

The workshop brought together GRC members from Chikun and Igabi Local Government Areas, including WASH Coordinators, Sanitation Officers, traditional leaders, religious leaders, youth representatives, and women leaders.

The refresher training strengthened the capacity of participants to identify, document, and resolve complaints promptly, ensuring that communities continue to have access to safe, transparent, and responsive mechanisms for addressing concerns related to the SURWASH Programme.

03/11/2025

03/11/2025

STAKEHOLDER'S VALIDATES AND ADOPT NEW SANITATION FACILITY DESIGNS AND RATIO STANDARDS IN KADUNA STATE.

In a significant stride toward improving sanitation infrastructure across Kaduna State, the Programme Coordinating Unit (PCU) of the Kaduna State Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme has convened a one-day stakeholders’ engagement to validate and adopt new designs for sanitation facilities and to establish a standard user-to-drop-hole ratio.

The meeting, held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the SPCU Conference Hall, Obasanjo House, Kaduna, brought together key stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, Kaduna State Environmental Protection Authority (KEPA), Kaduna Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (KADRUWASSA), State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Centre for Water and Environment Development (CEWED), and the Network for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN), among others.

Declaring the meeting open, the Programme Coordinator, Engr. Esau A. Ambinjah, welcomed participants and expressed appreciation for their commitment to the programme’s objectives. He emphasized that the collaborative effort of technical experts and implementing partners was essential in developing standardized, durable, and inclusive sanitation facilities for schools and healthcare institutions across Kaduna State.
The programme Coordinator also gave an overview of the SURWASH Programme highlighted its goal of expanding sustainable access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services through improved infrastructure and institutional strengthening across the state.

Presenting the meeting’s objectives, the Institutional WASH Officer, Mr. Christian Nkom, explained that the engagement was convened to:

Harmonize and adopt proposed sanitation facility designs;

Agree on standard specifications for both urban and rural settings; and

Establish a uniform user-to-drop-hole ratio for schools and health facilities.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Mahmood Shuaibu, Special Adviser to the Governor, reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to improving public health through effective WASH interventions. He urged participants to ensure thorough validation of the proposed designs to meet both state and international sanitation standards

The technical session featured detailed presentations by teams from KEPA and KADRUWASSA, who showcased improved sanitation designs informed by lessons from previous civil works. The innovations include:

The use of design blocks instead of windows to reduce vandalism;

Aluminium roofing for greater durability;

Provision of ramps and handrails for accessibility;

Dedicated Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) sections; and
hand washing and urinal facilities to enhance hygiene.

The State Universal Basic Education technical team also presented its proposed design. After extensive deliberations, stakeholders agreed to harmonize the designs from RUWASSA and KEPA into a unified, state-approved standard. This decision was informed by recommendations from the World Bank mission to Kaduna and the need for uniformity and quality assurance in facility construction.

In line with the Disbursement Linked Indicator (DLI) 7 requirements, stakeholders unanimously agreed on a 70 pupils-per-drop-hole standard for schools. It was also resolved that sanitation facilities should include separate blocks for boys, girls, and teachers to promote privacy and inclusivity.

The Technical Assistant on Environment (TAES), Mr. Gamaliel Stephen, delivered a presentation on environmental and social safeguards, stressing the need for full compliance with due diligence and documentation at all stages of project implementation. He further emphasized site-specific adaptation of designs and the inclusion of sustainable water supply systems to support the functionality of sanitation facilities.

Key Resolutions at the meeting include
1. Enforcement of Environmental and Social (E&S) due diligence throughout implementation.

2. Adoption of 70 pupils per drop hole as the state standard.

3. Provision of separate sanitation blocks for boys, girls, and teachers.

4. Recognition of urban and rural context-specific designs.

5. Early commencement of procurement processes.

6. Enhanced supervision to ensure construction quality.

7. Prioritization of water supply to aid construction and usage.

8. Special considerations for schools with exceptionally high enrolment.

In his closing remarks, Engr. Esau Ambinjah commended the participants for their active engagement and valuable inputs, noting that their collaboration reflected a shared vision for improved sanitation and hygiene standards in Kaduna State
Kaduna-SURWASH Kaduna State Ministry of Health
Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board - SUBEB Senator Uba Sani World Bank Nigeria Kaduna State Water Services Regulatory Commission