One-Day State-Level Stakeholders’ Roundtable Meeting
1. Introduction
The Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (STOWASSA), Delta State, organized a One-Day State-Level Stakeholders’ Roundtable Meeting as part of its strategic efforts to strengthen collaboration, improve service delivery, and align sectoral interventions in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector. The engagement focused on deepening institutional coordination with the Delta State Ministry of Water Resources Development (MWRD) and other relevant stakeholders to advance sustainable water supply and sanitation outcomes across the State.
2. Objectives of the Meeting
The key objectives of the roundtable meeting were to:
- Strengthen collaboration between STOWASSA and the Delta State Ministry of Water Resources Development.
- Provide updates on ongoing and planned small towns water supply and sanitation interventions.
- Identify policy, technical, and operational challenges affecting service delivery.
- Explore opportunities for synergy, resource mobilization, and institutional support.
- Enhance stakeholder ownership and commitment to sustainable WASH service delivery.
3. Date, Venue, and Participants
- Date: [Insert Date]
- Venue: [Insert Venue]
- Participants:
- Officials of the Delta State Ministry of Water Resources Development
- Management and technical staff of STOWASSA
- Representatives of relevant MDAs
- Development partners and sector stakeholders
- Civil society and community representatives (where applicable)
4. Proceedings of the Meeting
4.1 Opening Session
The meeting commenced with an opening address by the leadership of STOWASSA, who welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of coordinated action in addressing water supply and sanitation challenges in small towns. The representative of the Ministry of Water Resources Development reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting sector reforms and improving service sustainability.
4.2 Presentation by STOWASSA
STOWASSA made a detailed presentation highlighting:
- The Agency’s mandate and operational framework.
- Current status of small towns water supply schemes across the State.
- Key achievements, including infrastructure development, system rehabilitation, and community engagement.
- Existing challenges such as funding gaps, operational sustainability, and infrastructure maintenance.
4.3 Stakeholder Contributions and Discussions
Participants engaged in robust discussions focusing on:
- Policy alignment between STOWASSA activities and State water sector priorities.
- Institutional roles and responsibilities in water resources development and management.
- Strategies for improving functionality, cost recovery, and service sustainability.
- The need for data-driven planning, monitoring, and accountability mechanisms.
The Ministry provided guidance on regulatory expectations, planning coordination, and the importance of aligning STOWASSA’s interventions with broader State development frameworks.
5. Key Outcomes of the Meeting
- Renewed commitment by the Delta State Ministry of Water Resources Development to support STOWASSA’s mandate.
- Agreement on the need for improved coordination and information sharing between sector institutions.
- Identification of priority areas for technical and policy support.
- Recognition of the importance of stakeholder engagement in ensuring sustainability of water supply systems.
- Recommendations for regular stakeholder forums to review progress and address emerging challenges.
6. Resolutions and Way Forward
- STOWASSA will strengthen collaboration mechanisms with the Ministry through periodic technical and policy engagements.
- Both institutions will explore opportunities for joint planning, monitoring, and resource mobilization.
- Stakeholder inputs from the roundtable will be integrated into STOWASSA’s operational and strategic plans.
- Follow-up meetings will be scheduled to track implementation of agreed actions.
7. Conclusion
The One-Day State-Level Stakeholders’ Roundtable Meeting successfully provided a platform for constructive dialogue between STOWASSA and the Delta State Ministry of Water Resources Development. The engagement reinforced the importance of institutional collaboration, stakeholder ownership, and strategic alignment in advancing sustainable water supply and sanitation services in Delta State. The outcomes of the meeting are expected to contribute significantly to improved sector coordination and service delivery.