The Niger State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RUWATSAN) Project was established after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)  between UNICEF on one side and Federal and State governments on the other side precisely on 8^th, July 1987.

RUWATSAN was established to contribute to reduction in poverty, reduction of water and sanitation related diseases, increased productivity and overall, the improved well being of the rural populace.

In order to achieve these objectives, UNICEF provided two mechanized drilling rigs, 10 supporting vehicles and very few technical staff while the state government provided the remaining technical staff and running cost for initial take-off. 

P.M.B. 08, Keteren Gwari Road, Minna, Niger State.

To be the among the top three Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency in Nigeria in terms of provision of potable ground water, safe Sanitation and effective Hygiene promotion to the Rural Communities by the year 2020.

For the effective implementation of the programme, six (6) departments were established with specific tasks as follows:-

Administration and Finance Department

This department is responsible for provision of funds for activities by liaising with stake holders. It also keeps the records of all finances by the agency. It is also responsible for personnel issues such as promotions, discipline, salaries and also records of all supplies to the agency and their utilization are being kept by the store section of the department.

Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Department

This department conducts baseline survey of communities prior to intervention to determine their Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP). The information gathered is then used to plan for mobilization, health education, determination of the most suitable type of sanitation facility and safe water source to be provided for the community.

This department is also responsible for the water quality control right from the time water is provided and subsequently at six month interval to determine the physical, chemical and bacteriological fitness for human consumption.

Also the functionality of all the facilities provided is being monitored from time to time and studies are also conducted on selected intervention areas to evaluate programme impact on the communities.

Community Mobilization and Health Education Department

This department creates awareness and sensitizes the community members on the importance of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene using an innovative approach to promoting hygiene, sanitation and community management of water and sanitation facilities. This is a method of participatory learning, which builds on people’s innate ability to address and resolve their own problems. It aims to empower communities to manage their water and to control sanitation-related diseases, and it does so by promoting health awareness and understanding which, in turn, lead to environmental and behavioral improvement.

The department is responsible for all public enlightenment /sensitization programmes for the Agency activities, resource mobilization, training, seminars and workshops on sensitization programmes and ensuring sectors collaboration towards sustainable WASH programme implementation.

Water Supply Department

This department is responsible for the provision of potable water in the rural communities through boreholes, hand dug wells, spring development and rain water harvesting. It is also responsible for geophysical survey, pumping test and borehole rehabilitation.

Sanitation Department

This department is responsible for provision of safe means of excreta disposal in rural communities through simple and affordable technology such as Sanplat latrines and Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) latrine in public places such as markets, schools, motor parks, and clinics for replication. It also provides the technical know-how on various types of latrine construction to LGA technicians and community artisans. It also establishes sanitation centers at community levels for the proliferation of latrine construction.

Workshop  Department

This department is responsible for the routine maintenance and major repairs of all the Agency vehicles and equipment. It is also responsible for hand pump installation, maintenance and training of hand pump mechanics and caretakers at the LGA and community levels respectively.

Reference: nigerstate.gov.ng/niger-state-rural-water-supply-and-sanitation-(ruwatsan)-agency-.html