LM International and DG ECHO work closely with displaced communities to design and deliver tailored water and sanitation solutions, ensuring the response meets the specific needs identified by the affected.
Tillabéri and Diffa, 22 November 2024
Niger has been grappling with a multifaceted humanitarian crisis characterised by climate change-induced disasters and prolonged armed conflicts in Central Sahel and the Lake Chad area, leading to mass displacement and elevated need for clean water, sufficient food, and protection, among others. In recent years, Niger has experienced unprecedented flooding due to intensified monsoon rains. In 2024, torrential rains caused the Niger river to overflow, resulting in widespread devastation.
Access to clean water and proper sanitation remains critically low in Niger. Only 56% of the population has access to a source of drinking water, with significant disparities between urban and rural areas. Sanitation services are even more limited, with only 13 % of the population having access to basic sanitation facilities. Open defecation is practiced by more than 71% of the population, leading to serious health consequences, including waterborne diseases.
The collapse of the Alau Dam in northern Nigeria on September 10 exacerbated the situation, affecting 3.5 million people across West and Central Africa and causing nearly 900 fatalities. In Niger, cities like Agadez suffered significant damage, with ancient structures destroyed and thousands displaced. On the same day, the Ministry of Health announced suspected cholera cases in three health districts of Tahoua region, southern Niger. 172 suspected cases were registered, with six reported fatalities.
In 2023/2024, LM International, supported by the European Commission Directorate for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), provided over 20,000 displaced persons and host communities with easily accessible and sustainable clean water. We are proud to announce that the humanitarian response is now set to continue, with efforts focused on supporting more affected individuals with access to both water and sanitation services. Starting in June 2024, the response was expanded to also address sanitation needs through the construction of emergency latrines.
The overall objective of the recently launched intervention is to improve health and socio-economic wellbeing of the affected communities by reducing waterborne diseases through access to sustainable clean water and sanitation services. Designed together with the displaced persons, returnees and affected host communities affected, the response addresses their identified needs.
Over recent months, our teams, WASH experts and communities have collaboratively conducted Peace and Conflict and Environmental Impact Assessments, leading to the initiation of sustainable and easily accessible clean water sources.
Together with the communities, we appreciate DG ECHO’s support in making this lifesaving work possible.
