Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Policy.

The Taraba State Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Policy aims to improve water and sanitation services across urban, small town, and rural areas of the state through an integrated, participatory approach. It addresses challenges such as poor coordination, weak institutional capacity, and limited funding, while aligning with national policies and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The policy sets clear objectives including increasing access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene; promoting private sector participation; ensuring affordability; and maintaining water quality according to Nigerian standards. It emphasizes the use of appropriate technology, community ownership, gender equity, and the establishment of regulatory and coordinating institutions to oversee service delivery, quality control, and financial sustainability. The policy also outlines roles for various government ministries, agencies, local governments, private sector, NGOs, and community groups in a collaborative framework.
The policy sets ambitious targets to substantially increase potable water coverage by 2030—from 30% to 65% in urban areas, 23% to 62% in small towns, and 20% to 50% in rural communities—while also aiming to achieve full sanitation coverage through improved facilities and hygiene practices. It calls for capacity building, enhanced monitoring and evaluation, public awareness campaigns, and adoption of cost recovery and tariff policies to ensure sustainable financing and efficient operation of water supply and sanitation services. Institutional reforms are a key focus, promoting autonomy and efficiency in water agencies and fostering partnerships with private and public entities. The policy concludes with an implementation roadmap including legislative amendments, institutional strengthening, and investment planning to ensure progress towards universal safe water and sanitation access for all residents of Taraba State by 2030.