By Regina Aforgu
Pupils in 37 public primary schools across Idemili South Local Government Area (LGA) now have improved access to safe drinking water following the distribution of Aquatabs water purification tablets by the Impact Water Initiative in partnership with the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB).
The intervention, implemented under the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) framework, is aimed at promoting hygiene, reducing waterborne diseases, ensuring that every child in participating schools has access to clean and safe drinking water.
The initiative aligns with the vision of Governor Chukwuma Soludo to build a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Anambra State through improved Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programmes in schools.
As part of the first phase of the programme, Aquatabs sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) chlorine tablets used to purify drinking water were distributed to 37 schools across Idemili South. The tablets effectively eliminate bacteria, viruses and Giardia cysts within 30 minutes, making untreated water safe for consumption.
According to the Impact Water Initiative, the tablets were selected because of their proven effectiveness, long shelf life and ease of use. Each tablet can purify several litres of water, providing a cost-effective solution for schools with limited access to treated borehole or piped water.
The programme is expected to help prevent cholera, typhoid fever, diarrhoea and other waterborne diseases, which are more prevalent during the rainy season. Head teachers and school administrators were also trained on the proper dosage, handling and safe storage of the tablets to ensure effective use.
Speaking on the intervention, the ASUBEB Education Secretary for Idemili South, Mrs. Chinyere Nwankwo, said the initiative supports UBEC’s mandate of improving the quality of basic education by addressing health and sanitation challenges that can negatively affect pupils’ learning outcomes.
The Head Teacher of Community Primary School, Akwa-Ukwu, Mrs. Ijeoma Edozie, described the programme as timely, noting that pupils now have access to clean drinking water during school hours, a development she said has contributed to a reduction in absenteeism linked to water-related illnesses.
Also speaking, the Impact Water Initiative Field Agent, Mr. Franklin Chidozie Akubuaka, said the organisation would continue monitoring the programme to ensure compliance, adding that plans are underway to expand the intervention to more schools in Idemili South and other parts of Anambra State.
“Our goal is simple: Every child, clean water, every school day,” he said.
Regina Aforgu is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
