Towards achieving SDGs 2030

When the United Nations General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which is anchored on 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs), in September 2015, the decision received mixed reactions, as a lot of people felt the time span for the attainment was short and unrealistic.

The agenda was built on the principle of ‘leaving no one behind’, emphasising a holistic approach to achieving sustainable development for all. In fact, goal number six of SDG seeks to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Many wondered how this was achievable, as a lot of African countries were still in dire need of clean and sustainable water. In fact, a lot of African children were dying from diarrheal and cholera, illnesses that could be prevented.

Be that as it may, watchers of event believed that it could be achieved, but all hands must be on deck. To this end, many organisations have keyed into the agenda through their efforts at achieving the goals in the next 11 years. For instance, just recently, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) limited gained a global recognition when it was awarded ‘Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Gold Certification’ for its commitment and contribution towards the responsible use of freshwater in a socially, economically and environmentally beneficial way.

The certification was presented by Control Union, Ghana, a global organisation made up of members from leading businesses, non-profits, public sector agencies and academic institutions.

The Managing Director of Control Union Ghana, Ransford Nyarko, noted that NBC had achieved a lot in good water governance, sustainable water balance, good water quality, protecting important water-related sources and safe water, sanitation and hygiene for all.

Also, Head of Ecology and Conservation, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Olayinka Omotosho, said the feat was a huge recognition for Lagos State, as this would go a long way to validate the level of total compliance to standards pertaining to water sustainability operations in the state.

“As a regulator, LASEPA visits factories frequently to inspect waste water, emissions and all-round sustainability of the manufacturing operations and to give our recommendations. We believe this certification was made possible because NBC has been able to implement many of these recommendations,” Omotosho added.