Pathways to Sustainable WASH: Evaluating Long-Term Access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Mangu LGA, Plateau State

Abstract

Access to safe water, improved sanitation, and hygienic practices remains a cornerstone of sustainable development and public health. This study investigates the long-term accessibility and sustainability of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services in Mangu Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, Nigeria. Despite numerous interventions, communities within the LGA continue to face disparities in access to clean water and basic sanitation infrastructure. Employing a mixed-methods approach that integrates household surveys, stakeholder interviews, and geospatial analysis, this research examines the adequacy, functionality, and resilience of existing WASH systems. Key indicators such as water source reliability, latrine usage, and hygiene behavior were analyzed in the context of environmental, institutional, and socio-economic factors. Findings reveal that while progress has been made, sustainability is threatened by infrastructural decay, weak governance structures, and limited community engagement. The study concludes with practical recommendations for strengthening WASH governance, enhancing community participation, and promoting adaptive strategies to ensure equitable and lasting access. These insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers, development partners, and local actors committed to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 in similar rural contexts.