In line with the Development Objectives (OB) and as outlined in the Program Operations Manual( POM) of the Nigerian Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply Sanitation and Hygiene (NG-SURWASH) Program, Imo State has operationalized its Grievance Mechanism for the program in the state and also carried out a Senseization Program for stakeholders on Gender Based Violence (GBV) Reporting.

The Two-day program which took place on 20th and 21st December 2023 respectively at the state office in Imo State was attended by the State Project Implementation Unit of the program, the Implementing Agencies (ISWSC, ISSTOWA, RUWASSA), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Ministry of Gender Affairs and Vulnerable Groups, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), etc was a major event for the program as it was interactive, educative and informative.

Speaking during the opening remarks of the program, the Ag. State Project Coordinator (SPC) of the program Engr . Udegbe Chizoba J. welcomed all participants as he highlighted the importance of operationalizing the GM in the state. He called for all participants to be fully engaged in carrying out this task to the fullest and urged officers of the State Project Implementation Unit to ensure proper guidance and implementation of the Grievance Mechanism at all levels in the state. He acknowledged the unwavering support of our WASH-friendly Governor, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma who made Imo State to be chosen among the only 7 States benefiting from the NG-SURWASH Worldbank Program in Nigeria. The Governor has been instrumental in blostering and repositioning the WASH sector of Imo State. He also urged all staff to support and join hands with the Honourable Commissioner Ministry of Water Resources Dame Ann Dozie who has been relentless at supporting the 3R Mantra and ensuring that the Governor’s goals in the SURWASH Program and the WASH Sector of Imo State is fully actualized.

The Two Programs featured resource speakers who emphasized on purpose of Grievance Mechanism. The Social/Gender safeguard Technical Assistant Mr. Cornel Ekeh gave presentations on the process steps of GM and GBV, Communication strategy, Grievance Mechanism Institution arrangement, implementation, Grievance Committee, Sequence for addressing complaints and grievance.

Further more, The Gender and Social Officer of the State Project Implementation Unit in the State Mrs. Nkechi Uzor spoke on the need for stakeholders to be sensitized on gender-based violence reporting as this a delicate area of concentration for the program and the WorldBank is very sensitive when it comes to this areas hence there must be active participation and detail oriented approaches to ensure that this objective is achieved. She also addressed Gender and vulnerable Group Involvement in the program, Associated Risks, Gender Based Violence as well as Assessment and Mitigation.

The Anchor of the Program Mr. Opara Paschal the Communication Officer of the State Project Implementation Unit of the NG-SURWASH Program in the state also spoke on Communication Strategies for the Program and how it relates to GM and GBV, Communication Channels, and Feedback Mechanisms in place for GM and GBV.

On the Sensitization program, the Technical Assistant on Environment Safeguard Mr. Agoruo Emmanuel took a deep dive into the GM and GBV participatory roles for stakeholders and the key indicators to monitor and assess.

The Implementing Agencies were also issued materials for Grievance Mechanism which includes the Grievance Complaint Box and the Grievance Register.

In a closing remark, the Ag. SPC of the program in the state Engr. Udegbe Chizoba J. thanked all participants for engaging in the two days program and urged them to cascade what has been learnt at their various Implementing Agencies. He assured them of the Governor’s support to make sure that Imo state benefits fully from the ongoing SURWASH Program in Nigeria.

Paschal Opara
SPIU Communication Officer