Bauchi Communities Elect WASH Com's Prioritize Inclusive Leadership at Two-Day Training

By Beatrice GONDY, Bauchi

Bauchi Communities Elect WASH Com's Prioritize Inclusive Leadership at Two-Day Training

By Beatrice GONDY, Bauchi 

Bauchi State – Communities in Miri and Tsohon Kampani have elected new Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Committees (WASHCOMs) after a two-day capacity-building training aimed at promoting inclusive leadership and sustainable hygiene practices.

The training, held from 17th to 19th September 2025 at Government Day Secondary School, Miri, was organized by the Chongsquare Women and Children Development Foundation (CWCDF) in collaboration with the Development Exchange Centre (DEC) under the Small-Scale Project Fund (SSPF), with support from the German humanitarian agency, Brot für die Welt (Bread for the World). Facilitators were drawn from Bauchi State RUWASSA, alongside project staff and community leaders.

A total of 25 individuals were elected into five WASH Committees, each comprising three men and two women—ensuring at least 20% female representation. The committees will spearhead efforts to strengthen community ownership of WASH facilities, promote hygiene awareness, and enhance women’s participation in local governance structures.

The training covered leadership, decision-making, conflict resolution, hygiene promotion, sanitation awareness, and water point maintenance. Facilitators emphasized that gender balance, youth inclusion, and the active participation of persons with disabilities are crucial for equitable access to safe water and improved sanitation.

Those elected to lead the committees include Bulus Gashon (Chairman), Abdulaziz Mohammad (Secretary), Fatima Muhammad (Treasurer), Mayam Ali (Financial Secretary), Hamza Rabiu Haruna (PRO), and Isa Chiroma (Provost).

Speaking after the exercise, Chairman Bulus Gashon pledged to uphold transparency and work closely with traditional leaders, local government, and development partners to sustain WASH facilities. 

“We are committed to ensuring accountability and collective responsibility so that our communities enjoy safe water and better sanitation,” he said.

During the sessions, participants were sensitized on safe water handling, household water treatment, proper waste disposal, and personal hygiene. Practical demonstrations on handwashing techniques and strategies for maintaining clean environments were also conducted.

Program Officer of CWCDF, Blessing Dangana, noted that the initiative is designed to build local capacity and reduce 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.

Residents expressed optimism that the new committees will close gaps in hygiene awareness and foster community-driven solutions to safe water and sanitation challenges. The training also featured interactive sessions, group discussions, and the distribution of educational materials, with participants urged to act as ambassadors of good hygiene practices in their households and neighborhoods.

With the establishment of the WASHCOMs, Miri and Tsohon Kampani communities are now better positioned to take ownership of their water and sanitation systems—paving the way for healthier and more resilient communities.