Bauchi Communities Elect WASH Committees, Emphasize Inclusive Leadership at Two-Day Training

By Beatrice Gondyi 

A two-day capacity-building training on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) for Miri and Tsohon Company communities in Bauchi State, has ended with the successful election of new WASH Committee members, reinforcing the role of inclusive leadership in promoting sustainable hygiene practices at the community level.

The training, organized by Chongsquare Women and Children Development Foundation with support from the German humanitarian agency, Brot für die Welt (Bread for the World), and facilitated by RUWASSA, brought together participants from across the target communities. Over the course of the sessions, participants were exposed to the roles and responsibilities of WASH committees, including mobilizing residents, maintaining water points, monitoring sanitation standards, and promoting good hygiene practices in homes, schools, and public spaces.

Facilitators emphasized the need for gender balance, youth involvement, and the active participation of people with disabilities in WASH leadership, stressing that inclusivity is essential for equitable access to safe water and improved sanitation services.

Those elected are Bulus Gashon as Chairman, Abdulaziz Mohammad, Secretary, Fatima Muhammad treasurer, Mayam Ali, Financial Secretary, Hamza Rabiu Haruna, PRO, while Isa Chiroma will serve as provost.

Speaking after the exercise, one of the newly elected members, Bulus Gashon pledged to ensure accountability and collaboration with traditional leaders, local government, and development partners to sustain WASH facilities. Community members also expressed optimism that the committees will bridge gaps in hygiene awareness and drive collective responsibility in maintaining safe water systems.

During the training, participants were sensitized on the importance of safe water handling, proper waste disposal, personal hygiene, and disease prevention measures. The sessions also included practical demonstrations on household water treatment, hand washing techniques, and strategies for sustaining clean and healthy environments within their communities.

Speaking at the opening session, the Program Officer of Chongsquare Women and Children Development Foundation, Blessing Dangana, said the initiative was designed to strengthen community knowledge and reduce incidences of waterborne diseases.

“Our goal is to empower these communities with the right knowledge and practices to safeguard their health. Clean water, good sanitation, and proper hygiene are essential for healthy living and community development,” she explained.

The programme featured group discussions, interactive sessions, and distribution of educational materials, with a call on participants to serve as ambassadors of good hygiene practices in their households and neighborhoods.