Bukola Afeni
Editor
Philanthropic organizations comprising of the Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF), WaterAid Nigeria and the South Saharan Development Organisation (SSDO) has joined Enugu State Government in launching and celebrating a nineteen-month project that brought sustainable clean water and sanitation to under-resourced communities in Enugu state.
The project tagged: Replenish Africa Initiative (RAIN), launched in 2009, is part of Coca-Cola’s response mechanism to communities facing water crises across Africa.
The ceremony marked the completion of the N300 million project that has improved the lives of poor over 10,000 residents in and around Nsukka, Ezeagu, Uzo-Uwani, Isiuzo and Enugu South local government areas in Enugu State.
The project is aimed at expanding access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services; which will also promote income generating businesses for women, girls and youths.
Speaking on behalf of the Coca Cola Foundation and its global commitment under its Replenish Africa Initiative (RAIN), Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, Director of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Coca-Cola Nigeria said the foundation is dedicated to improve the life of people at the same time achieve the sustainable development goals
“This Coca-Cola Foundation’s flagship community programme is geared towards helping Africa achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals on clean water and sanitation access (SDG 6)
Also, during this era of COVID-19, health and wellness through hygiene is very crucial. However, we are hopeful that these facilities will sustainably enhance the health and wellness of the beneficiary communities” she emphasized.
Evelyn Mere, the Country Director of WaterAid noted that her organization is proud to have been part of this project in partnership with the Coca-Cola Foundation, to transform the lives of the poorest and most marginalized group through improved access to sustainable clean water and sanitation.
She further expressed delight on how the project had delivered its objectives of providing over 10, 000 residents with clean water, sanitation as well as stimulating grassroots economic empowerment.
While handing over the project to the Enugu State Government, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Water Resources, Hon. Anthony Onyia, appreciated Coca-Cola Foundation and WaterAid for the initiative saying, it has placed them on the right track to ensure sustainable and inclusive sanitation for everyone.
Hon. Onyia assured the State Ministry’s commitment to ensure sustainable use and maintenance of the water schemes to the benefit of the host communities.
