The Bauchi State government, in partnership with UNICEF,
launched a well chlorination initiative in 17 communities of Katagum Local Government Area to prevent water-borne diseases.

The Chief Scientific Officer of the Bauchi State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Rahab Jatau, disclosed this during the chlorination in Buskuri community of Katagum.

She said the initiative aims to minimise cases of water-borne diseases such as diarrhoea, among others, which have been prevalent in the area.

According to her, two teams are involved in the exercise: a technical staff team responsible for chlorinating the wells and a hygiene promotion team that visits households to educate the people on hygiene and sanitation practices.

She added, “Chlorination kills bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms that can contaminate well water, making it safe for drinking. This helps to prevent the spread of water-borne diseases, reduces child mortality and protects vulnerable populations. Promoting good hygiene practices such as handwashing and proper sanitation, can also reduce the risk of water-borne diseases.”

Ms Jatau stressed that sensitisation campaigns could raise awareness about the importance of good hygiene practices, leading to behaviour change and improved health habits.

She, therefore, urged the people to support the initiative by ensuring treatment of their wells with chlorine so they could enjoy potable water.

She explained that the chlorination is a collaboration between the state’s government agencies, including RUWASSA and the State Emergency Management Agency.

Others are the Primary Health Care Development Board, the State Environmental Protection Agency and the media, with the support of UNICEF.

The Village Head of Buskuri community, Gambo Abubakar, appreciated the government and partners for the support, describing it as “a gesture that would never be forgotten.”

(NAN)