By Bunmi Yekini
In a bold push to combat cholera and enhance essential services in Lagos, the USAID/Nigeria Lagos Urban Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (LUWASH) Activity has awarded N1.7 billion in grants to eight local community-based organizations (CBOs). This investment, totaling N1,723,003,058.62, targets improved Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services, especially in underserved Lagos communities.
Unveiled at a two-day workshop in Ikeja’s GRA, the announcement marks LUWASH’s second major round of grants, following N1.09 billion awarded in May 2024 to seven local organizations. This latest round aims to expand efforts to curb cholera, reduce waterborne disease transmission, and enhance overall health in high-risk areas.
LUWASH Chief of Party, James Racicot, emphasized the significance of the initiative in his address to the newly selected CBOs. “LUWASH is committed to reducing cholera transmission, morbidity, and mortality rates across Lagos,” he stated. “These grants are designed to support targeted projects that can prevent outbreaks, improve hygiene practices, and establish sustainable WASH practices in vulnerable communities.”
The organizations chosen to spearhead these initiatives include JAM Foundation, Equitable Health Access Initiative Nigeria, South Saharan Social Development Organisation, and Humanity Family Foundation for Peace and Development (HUFFPED), among others. All selected CBOs are now beneficiaries of the Capacity Building, Research, and Advocacy Fund (CAREVO Fund), which aims to strengthen community capacity and reach underserved areas with crucial WASH services.
Racicot outlined LUWASH’s focus on empowering communities to promote healthy behaviors, noting that the initiative prioritizes sustainability and aims to “promote behavioral change to prevent communicable diseases and improve WASH facilities in low-income communities.” He encouraged grant recipients to maximize the resources available, adding, “We have no doubt that all of you will succeed with the proposals that you have submitted.”
One of such projects is Bread of Life Development Foundation’s ‘Wole-Wole In Action Against Cholera’ initiative, which will operate in Agege Local Government Area. Executive Director Babatope Babalobi explained that the program will introduce local hygiene inspectors, known as ‘Wole-Wole’ in Yoruba, who will work with community members to enforce sanitation standards and train vendors on hygiene practices. “We are targeting 1,100 households, 550 water vendors, and 550 food vendors,” Babalobi shared. “The goal is to stem the outbreak of cholera and promote safer health practices.”
Another grantee, Dr. Mimidoo Achakpa, Executive Director of Women’s Right to Education Programme (WREP), outlined her organization’s plans to engage with Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Committees (WASHCOMs) across local governments to increase community awareness. “Our intervention will enlighten people on cholera prevention and encourage them to safeguard their sanitation,” Achakpa said, stressing the critical need for proactive education to prevent future outbreaks.
The workshop also emphasized the importance of strong governance and accountability in grant management. LUWASH Compliance Director Patricia Dyer-Thomas highlighted the requirement for transparent and ethical operations among grantees. “Anything done with U.S. taxpayer money must comply with U.S. law. Violations will lead to grant cancellations,” she stated firmly. “We consider bribery, kickbacks, and similar corrupt practices as fraud.” Dyer-Thomas encouraged grantees to prioritize integrity and set high ethical standards in their programs.
Racicot concluded the workshop with a call to action, urging grantees to fully engage in the training sessions provided. “We want to avoid issues with grant management and focus on implementation and success. These CBOs are essential to LUWASH’s mission to prevent cholera and promote healthier communities in Lagos,” he said.
This USAID-backed initiative reflects a commitment to empowering Lagos communities to build a healthier, more sustainable future by improving access to essential WASH services. With targeted investments, robust support, and committed local partners, LUWASH aims to make cholera outbreaks a thing of the past in Lagos.