UNIUYO MFB launches WashLoan for safe water, hygiene

Uniuyo Microfinance Bank has launched a new loan facility, WashLoan, aimed at expanding access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene within the university community and its surrounding areas. The initiative was unveiled at the University of Uyo in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in partnership with Water.org, a global civil society organisation focused on improving access […]

Uniuyo Microfinance Bank has launched a new loan facility, WashLoan, aimed at expanding access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene within the university community and its surrounding areas.

The initiative was unveiled at the University of Uyo in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in partnership with Water.org, a global civil society organisation focused on improving access to safe water, and the National Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB), the umbrella body of microfinance banks in Nigeria.

Speaking at the launch, the Managing Director of Uniuyo MFB, Dr. Millicent Idiong, described access to clean water and proper sanitation as a fundamental human right rather than a luxury.

She lamented that many households, schools and small businesses in the community still lack access to safe water and sanitation facilities.

“Through the WashLoan initiative, Uniuyo MFB is saying clearly that no family should struggle for safe water, no child should learn in an unsafe environment, and no community should be left behind because of lack of sanitation,” she said.

According to her, the WashLoan has been designed to be affordable, flexible and accessible, targeting individuals, households, schools, landlords and water-related businesses seeking to invest in sustainable water and sanitation solutions.

“By providing this financing, we are not just supporting infrastructure; we are supporting health, dignity, productivity and community resilience,” she added.

 

In his remarks, Senior Relationship Account Manager at Water.org, Gilbert Okpono, described the introduction of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) loan product as a major step towards achieving universal access to safe water and sanitation in the state and across the country.

 

National President of NAMB, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmad, described the WashLoan launch as a testament to the power of collaboration in improving hygiene and health outcomes for communities.

 

He added that NAMB is seeking more partnerships to deliver sustainable and life-impacting financial solutions to its clients and communities nationwide.