By Azuka Offor/ Chikaodili Obinwa
The Acting Programme Manager of the Anambra State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) and the Head of Water Resources Department in the Ministry of Power and Water Resources, Mr. Nwosu Tochukwu Christian, has emphasized the critical importance of water to human survival.
Mr. Nwosu made this known during an interview with an information officers in his office in Awka, as part of activities marking the 2026 World Water Day, scheduled for March 22.
He explained that World Water Day is celebrated annually to raise awareness about the importance of water, as well as the need for its sustainable management and conservation.
According to him, failure to highlight the value of water could lead to widespread ignorance about its significance, noting that the human body is composed of about 60 percent of water.
Mr. Nwosu commended the Anambra State Government for its sustained efforts in expanding access to clean and potable water across communities. He, however, urged the government to intensify efforts by extending water supply projects to more rural areas and improving sanitation facilities in public places.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Water and Gender Equality,” he said that the Ministry of Power and Water Resources actively involves women and girls in the management and operation of water facilities.
He added that they are trained to ensure proper usage and sustainability of these facilities.
On the campaign to end open defecation, Mr. Nwosu said that three local government areas—Anambra East, Aguata, and Nnewi North—have already been declared open defecation free.
He said that the agency is working diligently to ensure that the remaining 18 local government areas in the state achieve the same status.
“We have engaged local government chairmen to strengthen collaboration in the delivery of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, as well as to eliminate open defecation in their areas,” he said.
Mr. Nwosu expressed optimism that more local government areas would attain open defecation-free status before the end of the year.
He also advised the public to avoid wasting water and to adopt conservation practices, stressing that water remains indispensable to human existence.
Azuka and Chikaodili are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra state
