A two day workshop on sustainability of Water Sanitation and Hygiene Committees, WASHCOMs and WASH federation for ninety-six wards in Idemili South Council Area organized by the European Union and United Nations International Children Fund, EU/UNICEF, in conjunction with Anambra state Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, RUWASSA has ended.

The workshop which aimed at establishing WASHCOM Federation statewide to eradicate open defecation free, also targets to ensure portable water supply, as well as hygiene and general sanitation management in all communities in the state.

The event which took place at the Headquarters of Idemili South Council Area , Ojoto, had in attendance representatives of various communities, WASHCOM, from selected Local Government Areas including Anambra East, Aguata, Idemili South and Nnewi North.

In her speech , the state Community Mobilization Officer, RUWASSA, Mrs. Vivian Okpaladinobi explained that the main objectives of WASHCOM federation is to develop a responsible and capable organization for the community WASHCOM to exchange ideas, knowledge and skill
acquisition, as well as establish relationship and coordination of LGAs, and State WASHCOMs.

Also speaking, the State Hygiene Education Officer, RUWASSA, Dr Mrs. Rose Amasiani revealed that Federation would improve institutional capacities of WASHCOM and encourage them to bring concepts of good governance, social justice, gender sensitivity, inclusive participation and legal trainings, among others that are necessary to build WASHCOM.

In their separate remarks, Mr. Emeka Udeze and Mrs. Chioma Eze listed current water management challenges in Nigeria to include unavailability of spare- parts in many remote areas, untrained mechanics, Open Defecation by communities among numerous others.

Contributing, Pastor Success Ejiofor from Eziama Ward, Nnokwa, Idemili South Local Government Area said the objective of WASHCOM Federation is to eradicate diseases, sanitize and treat water for drinking, and promised to disseminate what he garnered to others.

The event featured election of representatives at Federal level, question and answer session.