In continuation of the Performance Improvement Action Plan (PIAP) activities and the PDO for the concluding quarter of Year 2, the Communication Desk Officer of Imo State Water and Sewerage Corporation (ISWSC) Christopher Ononukwe with other implementing agencies, SPIU communication officers and two other CSOs from the state, participated in a workshop held on Tuesday, 28 December 2023 at Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja.

The Federal Project Implementation Unit (FPIU) of the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) Program organized the workshop to sensitize Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on the ongoing activities and future plans of the program. The event brought together stakeholders, experts, and representatives from various states.

The workshop commenced with the introduction by Mrs. Felicia Ngaji, the National Communication Officer, who welcomed attendees and introduced the Project Director under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources. The Project Director led the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving the objectives of the SURWASH program.

A significant part of the workshop was anchored by Christopher Ononukwe, the Communications Desk Officer of the Imo State Water and Sewerage Corporation (ISWSC). “Presentation of Information Dissemination on the Ongoing Activities of SURWASH Programme,” featured insights from Imo SPIU Communication Officer Mr. Pascal Opara, who presented the current status of implementation on behalf of Imo state.

The workshop delved into the concept of the “Utility of the Future,” presented by Engr. Iliyasu Musa Nganjiwa & Engr. Maina Rabiu Madaki. They defined “the utility as one that provides reliable, safe, inclusive, transparent, and responsive water supply and sanitation services through best-fit practices.” The Utility of the Future (UoF) aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, aiming to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030.

Under the SURWASH program, participating states implemented a 100-day Action Plan and developed a 5-Year Action Plan to strengthen utilities and achieve program objectives. The workshop highlighted challenges utilities face, including population growth, operational cost recovery, and resilience to external shocks.

The Performance Improvement Action Plan (PIAP), a six-year program, addresses inefficiencies across utility management pillars. Key elements include performance contracts, budget processes, financial transparency, utility performance reports, customer communication, and risk management.

Participants emphasized the need to support and give autonomy to urban utilities for planned activities under the SURWASH program. The workshop encouraged Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to disseminate information, raising awareness and contributing to the program’s objectives.

Juliet Lordye, Sanitation Sector Planning and Management Officer, delivered insights on Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC). SBCC strategically uses communication approaches to promote changes in knowledge, attitudes, norms, beliefs, and behaviors, aligning with WASH goals.

The workshop also featured a presentation on the role of CSOs in financed projects, describing NGOs, their functions, and the advantages of transparency and accountability. East state representatives provided feedback on CSO roles in WASH services and projects, showcasing a collaborative and cordial relationship between CSOs and state implementing agencies.

The event concluded with a group photo session, symbolizing the unity and collaborative spirit among participants striving towards the success of the SURWASH program, hence a call was made for the participating states to cascade such a workshop at their respective states.

Christopher Ononukwe
Communications Desk Officer