The Nigeria Minister for Water Resources, Sarah Ochepe has appealed to the chairman of all local government councils to give priority to the provision of water and sanitation to the rural population in order to curb the spread of waterborne diseases.

The lack of adequate potable drinking water is the major cause of disease in the rural communities. She says,  “The present administration has put water on top priority, that is why on assumption of office, the Ministry of Water Resources was re-created from the erstwhile Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources. The government is making efforts to complete the water projects started by previous administration. Water projects are capital expensive, therefore the ministry is strengthening collaboration with states and local governments to ensure safe drinking water is made available to all Nigerians.”

Ochepe also stated that construction work on the Mangu Dam has started which will boost water supply to the Plateau State, thereby bringing development to the region. The proposed dam at the University of Jos will also serve as a major infrastructure study area for students studying water engineering at the University.