AfDB lends $100m for water, sanitation works in Nigeria

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a soft loan of $100 million to improve water and sanitation in the city of Zaria in northern Nigeria through its African Development Fund.

According to the lender in a statement February 16, 2012, the project will include the rehabilitation, expansion and construction of water and sanitation facilities in the Nigerian city.

The AfDB said some 1.4 million people will gain improved access to clean water and sanitation.

It indicated that staff at the local Kaduna State Water Board will receive training to build utility management capacity, to ensure the successful operation and the long-term sustainability of the project.

“This project is another example of the Bank’s commitment to supporting more African countries to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by increasing access to water supply and sanitation” said Sering Jallow, director of the AfDB’s water and sanitation department.

By Ekow Quandzie