By Obinwa Chikaodili
The Anambra State Urban Water Assets Holding Corporation (ASUWAHC) has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable water sector development through a presentation on environmental and social safeguards, as part of ongoing efforts to develop a comprehensive Water Master Plan for Anambra State.
The presentation was delivered on June 12, by the Head of the Environment and WASH Unit, Mrs. Ezenta Njideka, at the corporation’s conference hall. It formed part of a series of departmental engagements initiated by the Officer-in-Charge of ASUWAHC, Mrs. Emmanuella Okafor, to assess departmental contributions toward the state’s long term water sector development agenda.
Speaking on the theme, “Environmental and Social Safeguards with Regard to Public Health, Social Inclusion and Gender Consideration,” Mrs. Ezenta underscored the importance of environmental and social safeguards in ensuring the sustainability, inclusiveness, and effectiveness of urban water projects.
She explained that integrating safeguard measures into water infrastructure planning and implementation helps protect public health, prevent environmental degradation, improve sanitation, and guarantee equitable access to water services for all segments of society.
According to her, sustainable water projects must prioritize the needs of vulnerable groups, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and underserved communities. She emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement, accessible facilities, effective grievance redress mechanisms, and gender responsive infrastructure in achieving inclusive and people centred water service delivery.
Mrs. Ezenta further stressed the need to mainstream gender considerations in water sector interventions through measures that promote menstrual hygiene management, enhance the safety and dignity of women and girls, and prevent gender based violence within project communities.
Drawing from practical experiences in urban water management, she demonstrated how public health concerns, social inclusion, and gender considerations can be effectively integrated into project planning and implementation to promote sustainability and maximize developmental impact.
In her remarks, the Officer-in-Charge of ASUWAHC, Mrs. Emmanuella Okafor, described environmental and social safeguards as critical components of the proposed Water Master Plan.
She noted that environmental sustainability and social protection are essential to safeguarding public health and ensuring that water infrastructure projects deliver lasting benefits to residents across the state.
Mrs. Okafor urged all departments within the corporation to collaborate effectively and contribute their expertise toward the development of a robust, practical, and actionable Water Master Plan that will serve as a blueprint for sustainable water sector growth and improved service delivery in Anambra State.
The presentation is one of several strategic engagements being undertaken by ASUWAHC as the corporation intensifies efforts to strengthen institutional planning and support the realization of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision for a sustainable, resilient, and efficiently managed water sector in Anambra State.
Chikodili Obinwa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
