14 November 2011: The African Development Bank (AfDB) has provided a loan to ensure secure and uninterrupted access to clean water and adequate sanitation in Taraba and Oyo States in Nigeria. The loan is expected to benefit approximately 1.5 million people.

The US$100 million loan will benefit state water facilities as well as small-scale service providers through the construction, expansion and rehabilitation of water and sanitation infrastructure in the two cities. Access to water and sanitation is expected to increase to 80% of the population, with the majority of the beneficiaries being women and children, who represent the majority of the populations concerned. Women will also make up 50% of the consumer committees, and will be trained on hygiene education and promotion, in order to inform their communities and participate in decision-making structures within their communities.

A number of cross-cutting benefits also are anticipated from the project, including improved living conditions and public health, and empowerment of women and girls. Access for low-income households also is prioritized, with 30,000 households being connected and additional construction of water kiosks in the two cities. Public water, sanitation and hand-washing facilities in public spaces also will be provided. [AfDB Press Release]