WEFTA, in partnership with the Daughters of Charity International Project Services (DCIPS), and Dom Nwachukwu of Groundwater Development and Engineering, Ltd., continues to make meaningful progress at the Rosalie Rendu Hospital located in the Lagos State of Nigeria. An ambitious WASH infrastructure improvement project for the hospital and surrounding community is approximately 90% complete, positively impacting over 10,000 lives.
This project, led on the ground by Sr. Angelina Amanfo with the support of Sr. Ifeoma Arinze and Sr. Caroline Olugunwa, was launched to address critical challenges including lack of access to clean water, inadequate sanitation, unreliable power supply, and environmental health concerns. The overarching goal is to create a safer, healthier environment for expectant mothers, patients, hospital staff, and the surrounding community.
Project Achievements and Impact
DCIPS partners with the sisters at all Daughters of Charity run facilities to find funding to support multiple activities including WASH. Considerable progress has been made at Rosalie Rendu, including the installation of a borehole, improved sanitation facilities, drainage paving, and a solar energy system to reduce dependence on diesel generators. These upgrades have already resulted in cleaner surroundings, fewer mosquito-borne illnesses, and improved hygiene behaviors among patients.
One standout improvement is the hospital’s laundry system. Prior to the project, patients often dried clothes in corners of wards. Now, a dedicated laundry facility allows for hygienic washing and drying, contributing to a more dignified and orderly hospital environment. The installation of a 15kVA hybrid solar inverter and lithium battery system has also greatly reduced power interruptions and eliminated the constant need for costly generator repairs.
While all awarded funds have been used as planned, Nigeria’s ongoing inflation and rising transportation costs in Lagos have prevented full project completion. In particular, the cost of transporting construction materials over poor roads strained the budget. Despite these challenges, the team is committed to finishing the project using internally generated funds from hospital user fees.
Transformational Results
Since construction began, the number of patients served annually has grown from 6,000 to over 10,000. Cases of diarrhea have dropped dramatically—from 4,500 annually to just 50—and malaria cases have fallen from 5,500 to 150. These improvements reflect the critical link between reliable WASH infrastructure and positive health outcomes.
One community member, Mrs. Enorbo James, shared her heartfelt appreciation:
“I’m overwhelmed with gratitude! The new borehole in the facility has changed our lives. My students no longer fall ill from contaminated water, and I can focus on teaching them without worrying about illness. Access to clean water and proper sanitation has given us hope and a brighter future.”
Looking Ahead
Although some construction tasks remain, the project has already delivered transformative benefits to the hospital and the broader community. With continued community engagement and support from hospital leadership, the remaining components will be completed incrementally.
This effort stands as a powerful example of what’s possible through collaboration, local leadership, and shared commitment to improving WASH in healthcare facilities.
Stay tuned to WEFTA’s News & Happenings page for future updates as Rosalie Rendu Hospital’s WASH transformation reaches the finish line.
