By Opara Paschal
The Imo State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) of the Nigerian Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply Sanitation and Hygiene (NG-SURWASH) Program domiciled under the Ministry of Water Resources organized a 1-day sensitization workshop on roles of CSOs in the SURWASH Program in the state.
The event which took place in Owerri the Imo State capital is aimed at strengthening, and streamlining the roles of the CSOs/NGOs to provide the necessary support services on the ongoing implementation of the program and ensure that achieved results can be sustained.
The workshop objectives are to sensitize the CSOs on the SURWASH program, disseminate information on activities done so far and ongoing initiatives, facilitate interactive sessions on their objectives and activities that support human resources, technical capacity, and any other aspects to sustained results delivery of the Program implementation. The workshop also
enabled knowledge sharing on ways to improve the beneficiaries’ perception and enhance program knowledge to the populace at all levels. The event provided opportunity for CSOs to expound their place in the SURWASH Program and their efforts as strategic implementing partners to foster stronger partnerships between implementing entities and the CSOs/NGOs.
In his welcome address, the Ag. State Project Coordinator Engr. Udegbe Chizoba welcomed the participants as he gave a brief rundown of the program. He also identified adjustments, proposed program design and implementation pathways, and corrective measures towards ensuring successful program implementation of the program in the State.
In his speech, the MD/CEO of Imo State Water and Sewerage Corporation Engr. Peter Chukwuma highlighted that the SURWASH Program is a collaborative effort involving government, private sector, and civil society partners aimed at addressing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) challenges. It is designed to bring safe, accessible, and sustainable water and sanitation services to communities while fostering healthier, more resilient societies. He also sensitized the participants on their roles in the program and the intended results to be achieved.
Series of presentations were carried out during the workshop which includes Overview of the SURWASH Program and Roles of CSOs in project implementation by Cornel Ekeh (Technical Assistant on Gender and Social Safeguards), Project site Identification, screening and Selection by Iherue Chidiebere (Environmental Officer), E&S Due Diligence, Grievance Mechanism and Referral Pathways by Uzor Nkechi (Social and Gender Officer), Communication Strategies by Opara Paschal (Communication Officer), and Sanitation Activities in the SURWASH Program by Odinakachi Chiekezi ( Sanitation and Hygiene Officer). The event also had meaningful considerations of people living with disability
The 1-Day program was a discussion exercise which also allowed CSOs to meaningfully participate and make contributions towards achieving desired results.
The program Under the auspices of the Imo State Ministry of Water Resources, SURWASH, and supported by the World Bank took place at the ISWSC Conference Hall on Friday 8th November 2024.