Nigeria to get AfDB funding for urban water project

Nigeria will receive a $205m funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB) for the Urban Water Sector Reform and Port-Harcourt Water Supply and Sanitation Project.

The project aims to provide sustainable access to safe drinking water and sanitation to the residents of Port-Harcourt in Rivers State. It also includes rehabilitation and extension of the run-down water supply system, as well as providing public sanitation and a pilot sewerage scheme. The total project cost amounts to approximately $346m.

AfDB water and sanitation department director Mohamed El Azizi said that the project is a timely response to a confirmed need in the water sector, following discussions between the Federal Government, Rivers State Government and the AfDB, which started in 2012.

"The AfDB is proud to be collaborating with the Nigerian authorities on this project and we are bringing to the table a combination of our comprehensive approach to sustainable service provision; capacity to mobilise the significant funding needed to make a tangible difference; our experience from operations in Nigeria and other regional member countries; and collaborative partnering with stakeholders in defining and implementing the project," he added.

The project will help Port-Harcourt citizens to benefit from increased water quantity, quality and service hours.