By Ahmed Rahma
In celebration of this year’s World Water Day observed on Monday, March 22, a leading financial institution, Heritage Bank, said it plans to assist a community in dire need of clean water with the installation of a borehole.
To execute its plans, the bank has instituted a Corporate Social Responsibility’s (CSR) campaign project which, according to the lender, will be executed in two phases; the first involves nominations call for a community that is in dire need of water which will be put on its social platforms from March 22, 2021, till the next 30 days.
The bank, in a statement signed by the Divisional Head, Corporate Communications, Mr Fela Ibidapo, disclosed that thorough research would be conducted on communities nominated and the most in need would be chosen.
In furtherance, the community leaders would be engaged, which will herald the commencement of the project and handing over the borehole to the inhabitants of the area.
This year’s WWD themed Valuing Water focuses on the importance of freshwater and presses for sustainable management of water resources.
According to the United Nations, the day is aimed at raising awareness about 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water resources globally.
“The value of water is about much more than its price.” This day is celebrated keeping in line with Sustainable Development Goal number 6 which is aimed at achieving water and sanitation by all for 2030,” the UN stated.
It further explained that global water demand is likely to rise by over 50 per cent by 2040.
Speaking on 2021 WWD, the MD/CEO of Heritage Bank, Mr Ifie Sekibo, said the adoption of the campaign project shows how the lender values water and making clean water accessible to the under-privilege, living in urban slums and rural areas.
According to him, to access safe water resources globally, a higher value must be given to protecting the ecosystem in ensuring a good quality water supply.
Mr Sekibo, who further canvassed for the implementation of the Sustainable Banking Principle, tasked stakeholders to continually promote the need for the more productive value of water, which would bring about the developmental impact to society while protecting the communities and environment in which financial institutions and their clients operate.
