AfDB approves $124.2m loan to support drinking water project in Nigeria

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $124.2m loan to support the Urban Water Sector Reform and Akure Water Supply and Sanitation Project in Nigeria.

AfDB said that the amount includes an African Growing Together Fund (AGTF) loan of $20m.

The overall cost of the five-year Urban Water Sector Reform and Akure Water Supply and Sanitation Project is $222.69m.

Spanning from 2020 to 2025, the project will target challenges in key water supply services, aiming to enable safe drinking water and sanitation access to 1.3 million people in Akure city and its surroundings.

Under the project, water, sanitation and environmental protection infrastructure will be combined with analytical and institutional reform support.

The project is also expected to boost the federal government’s capacity to allow urban water supply and sanitation improvements.

AfDB added that the Urban Water Reform component of the project will facilitate a water and sanitation investment programme, which will support the National WASH Action plan 2018-2030.

African Development Bank Nigeria Regional Office senior director Ebrima Faal said: “The project will particularly contribute to improving the living conditions of the communities in the project area.

“Involving these communities in public awareness and marketing activities, will increase the project’s ownership and ensure they pay for the water supply and sanitation services.”

Funds from the loan will also be used to install sanitation infrastructure at schools, hospitals and markets.

National Urban Water Sector Reform Projects started in 2004 and two have already ended. Currently, the third project is running and focuses on improving reliability and financial viability of certain urban water utilities.