By Aisha Ahmed

Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa has restated commitment to sustain the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in the state.

Namadi stated this during a courtesy visit by the National Task Group on Sanitation (NTGS) Monitoring Team, in Dutse.

He said that his administration would invest more resources and innovations to sustain the feat achieved.

“The Open Defecation Free (ODF) status we have attained, was not an effortless feat yet sustaining it is even more challenging.

“I want to assure you that the Jigawa State Government has put in place comprehensive strategies backed by strong commitment and resources, to ensure the sustainability of our ODF status,” he said.

He said the state government had set up a Steering and Technical Committee, comprising key permanent secretaries and professionals, to enhance monitoring of sanitation services in the state.

Namadi said the government also introduced a hygiene programme which underlined its commitment and dedication, to ensure cleanliness and public health standards.

The governor announced plans to construct toilets in public schools and markets across the state under a public private partnership arrangement to effectively manage the facilities.

This, he said, would ensure accountability and preserve the investment in sanitation infrastructure.

“When it is managed by the private sector, they see it as a means of livelihood. They will maintain it better than the government,” he said.

According to Namadi, the state will be a beacon of progress in sanitation, health and environmental resilience, for other states to draw lessons from it.

Earlier, the NTGS Team Lead, Mr Benson Attah, commended the state for attaining the ODF status, describing it as a “landmark achievement and a model for other states.”

Attah urged the state to maintain this status through consistent policies, community involvement and infrastructural investments.

He also lauded the political commitment displayed by the Namadi administration, adding that it has created an enabling environment for impactful WASH initiative.

“I would like to commend Your Excellency for your commitment and the political will you have shown towards the improvement of water, sanitation, and hygiene in the state.

“Otherwise, there wouldn’t have been any need to dispatch members of the National Task Group on Sanitation to monitor and assess the sustainability of the ODF status in your state,” he said.

He assured support of development partners to help the state in sustaining its progress. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali