Highland Microfinance Bank has unveiled its new product – the High Hygiene WASH Loan, in a collaborative steps to provide funds to needy Nigerians for improved water, sanitation and hygiene access.
The Managing Director of Highland Microfinance Bank Plc, Benjamin Mapac, said at the inauguration in Jos, that the launching of the loan facility was the beginning of a new chapter in the operation of the bank.
”The Hygiene WASH facility is the result of the MfB’s strategic partnership with Water.org, a leading civil advocacy group committed to improved water access globally, and the National Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB), the umbrella body of all MFBs in Nigeria.
It marks a news chapter on how the bank would protect health,
uphold human dignity, and make water and hygiene accessible to more people and communities.
He recalled that for years, the MfB’s management had listened to, observed, and experienced firsthand the challenges that many households and businesses faced when it comes to maintaining consistent, reliable hygiene standards.
”WASH facility is a solution designed with purpose, built on research, refined with the input of people who understand hygiene challenges at the community level and the institutional level alike.
”Mapac explained that the purpose of the loan was for the acquisition of toilets and sanitation facilities, to build new or upgrade existing toilet structures and provision of portable drinking water to millions of Nigerians lacking access to clean water. ”
According to him, the loan attracts low interest rates at three per cent per month which is quiet attractive and the tenures for repayment can stretch from 6-12 months depending on the loan size.
“Today, as we unveil High-Hygiene WASH Loan, we are also celebrating the power of collaboration. Our partnership with Water.org has opened doors for us to understand water-access realities on a deeper level.
“Working with the National Association of Microfinance Bank has strengthened our community engagement and helped us shape solutions that meet real needs”, the banker added.
He explained to the MfB’s customers that High-Hygiene WASH Loan remained the micro lender’s commitment to them and represented the management’s promise to provide reliable, high-standard hygiene solutions that protect their families, businesses, and communities.
Mapac assured: “As we move forward, our message is simple: Hygiene is not optional. Hygiene is essential. And with High-Hygiene WASH Loan, we are making essential care more accessible, more affordable, and more effective than ever before to millions of ordinary Nigerians nationwide.”
In his remarks at the event, the Executive Secretary of NAMB, Mr Eddy Orok, noted that the collaboration with Water.org had promoted the implementation of SDG 6 in Nigeria through participating Microfinance Banks.
He explained that NAMB intended to grow this partnership and improve access to clean, safe and affordable water and sanitation for Nigerian communities and commended the management of Highland Microfinance Bank for powering the new product.
Mr Gilbert Okpono, Senior Relationship Account Manager at Water.Org. commended the Highland MfB’s facility and its partnership with others on the initiative
“This product captioned High-Hygiene gives families the power to access clean water and safe sanitation, transforming lives with dignity and hope. Together, we’re creating a future where every home enjoys health, safety, and opportunity.”