Water and sanitation experts in Bauchi State want companies to pay a special tax to fund vital services. They made this proposal at a major sector meeting held from May 12 to 14.
The gathering brought together government officials, development partners, and community leaders. All shared concerns about funding gaps in the water, sanitation and hygiene sector.
Participants also recommended creating a dedicated WASH Fund Basket immediately. They called for a donor roundtable to raise money for projects across the state.
Progress has been made in expanding water supply and promoting hygiene campaigns. But serious challenges remain, stakeholders noted at the review.
Inadequate financing tops the list of problems facing the sector. Poor maintenance of facilities and climate threats also worry officials and experts alike.
Access to clean water and sanitation remains unequal across communities. This gap must be closed, participants agreed.
Bauchi's government must treat WASH as a priority public health issue. Authorities need stronger laws and more consistent political backing, stakeholders insisted.
The state should complete its Water Regulatory Commission setup urgently. Officials must also finalize establishment of the Small Towns Water Agency.
Full corporatization of the state's Urban Water and Sewerage Corporation was demanded. Better management would boost service delivery efficiency, experts said.
Ministries and local councils must improve coordination on WASH programmes. Accountability in implementation remains weak in many areas.
A WASH Media Network should be revived to spread awareness campaigns. Religious and traditional leaders must champion sanitation efforts in their communities.
Open Defecation Free status is a key target for all local government areas. The state currently has a 15 percent reversion rate to tackle.
Between 2026 and 2027, the sector will focus on five major priorities. Budget increases for water work ranks first on this list.
Fixing broken water schemes will receive immediate attention and resources. Hygiene awareness campaigns must reach more people across rural and urban zones.
Community-Led Total Sanitation programmes need faster rollout in villages and towns. Officials aim to cut the ODF reversion rate down to five percent in a year.
Data systems for WASH must be strengthened significantly across the state. Climate resilience and disability inclusion will be built into all new programmes.
Schools and health facilities will get priority for WASH improvements. Quarterly review meetings will track progress on all agreed actions.
Annual performance reports will be published for public transparency. The communiqué was adopted and signed by key institutions on May 14.
