Devcoms, 6 CSOs receive USAID grants for WASH project

The grants are a testament to USAID’s commitment to improving the lives of low-income communities in Lagos State,” said Engr. Soni Elisha John, Deputy Chief of Party, USAID/Nigeria Lagos Urban Water Sanitation and Hygiene (LUWASH) Activity. “We believe that by supporting community-based organizations, we can make a significant impact on the sustainability of water, sanitation, and hygiene services in Lagos.”

 

Seven community-based organizations (CBOs) have received $841,217.39 grants to implement water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) service delivery in Lagos State. The grants were awarded through the USAID/Nigeria LUWASH Activity, with the aim of promoting sustainable development and improving public health outcomes in low-income communities.

 

“The grants are not gifts, but funds provided to execute the activities outlined in the grantees’ proposals,” emphasized Engr. John. “We expect the grantees to be accountable and committed to delivering the activities outlined in their proposals, ensuring that these activities directly benefit low-income communities around Lagos.”

The grants were signed between LUWASH and the seven CBOs in Lagos between May and June 2024. Implemented through the LUWASH Capacity Building, Research, and Advocacy Fund (CAREVO Fund), these grants aim to improve the sustainability of CBOs, enhance their growth opportunities, and enable them to reach more households with safely managed WASH services in Lagos.

 

“We are excited to partner with USAID to improve the lives of our community members,” said [Name], Executive Director of [CBO Name]. “The grant will enable us to implement interventions aimed at improving Menstrual Hygiene Management practices, establishing the Citizens-led Accountability and Inclusion Mechanism for WASH service delivery, and strengthening the capacity of CBOs for greater effectiveness and accountability in the WASH sector in Lagos State.”

The seven recipient CBOs include the Clean Borehole Water Sellers Association of Lagos, Youth Empowerment Foundation (YEF), Optimal Greening Foundation (OGF), Lagos Civil Society Participation for Development (LACSOP), Development Communications Network (DEVCOMS), Initiative for Disaster Risk Reduction and Urban Resilience (IDRRUR), and Organisation for Peaceful Society in Africa (OPSA).