Kano intensifies campaign against open defecation
By Akpan Glory
The Kano State Government has intensified its campaign to eliminate open defecation in the state through the distribution of sanitation and campaign materials to six local government areas nearing Open Defecation Free (ODF) status.
The items were distributed through the state’s Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) to Doguwa, Tudun Wada, Sumaila, Bebeji, Bunkure, and Tofa local government areas.
Speaking during the presentation in Kano, the Managing Director of RUWASA, Engr Shamwilu Abdulkadir Isa, urged residents to embrace hygienic defecation practices in line with Islamic teachings on personal hygiene.
He said the use of latrines has long been part of the architectural designs of traditional homes in the region, and that RUWASA’s role was to reinforce these values to prevent outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
“To achieve ODF, we must sustain vigorous campaigns that involve teamwork. All stakeholders must take ownership of the process and act as ambassadors, especially at the grassroots,” he said.
Isa called on Supervisory Councillors and Heads of Departments to support the upcoming validation exercise by the National Task Group on Sanitation and UNICEF.
He also directed that the distributed materials be delivered to schools through the Local Government Education Authorities, stressing that children remain the most vulnerable to sanitation-related diseases.
Earlier, the Director of Planning, Measurement and Evaluation at RUWASA, Hajiya Isyaku Mukhtar, said the meeting was convened to share progress and challenges following the agency’s recent field visits.
She urged the representatives of the six LGAs to intensify efforts to meet the ODF targets under the National Emergency Programme, which the state governor, Kabir Yusuf, supports passionately.
Highlights of the event included presentations on WASH protocol, hygiene promotion, and ODF sustainability strategies.
Items distributed included Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials, improved latrine covers, Tippy Taps with sanitiser, and public enlightenment banners. (NAN)