News Agency of Nigeria
RUWASSA, Wastebox campaign against open defecation hits Abuja streets, motorparks

RUWASSA, Wastebox campaign against open defecation hits Abuja streets, motorparks

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Directorate (RUWASSA), in collaboration with Wastebox ltd, a waste management company, on Monday, took the campaign against Open Defecation to Abuja streets and motorparks.

The campaign tagged, “Clean FCT: Use the Toilet” began from Area 1 temporary motorpark, through several motorparks in Garki District.

Drivers and commuters in the motorparks, including traders and residents on the streets were reached with key messages on the dangers of open defecation.

Mrs Chika Ibe from the waste management company explained that the move was to accelerate the attainment of Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in FCT by 2030.

Ibe urged the FCT Administration to strengthen collaboration with concerned citizens, development partners and non-governmental organisations and other government agencies to take the campaign to the door steps of residents.

This, according to her, will significantly improve interventions geared towards ending ODF in the FCT before 2030.

She pointed out that the practice of open defecation, particularly in rural communities with little or no toilets was worrisome.

She said that the ugly practice was predisposing rural dwellers to life-threatening diseases like cholera and other infectious diseases.

Ibe stressed the need for stakeholders to intensify efforts in ending open defecation as soon as possible.

“Nigeria is one of the countries that are still practising open defecation.

“The initial target to end open defecation was 2025 but extended to 2030.

“I am sure we will achieve it if we strengthen our collaboration, intensify our interventions and carry out massive sensitization campaigns.

On her part, a Sanitation Officer from FCT RUWASSA’s Sanitation Department, Mrs Esther Shettima, noted that open defecation still persists despite the availability of public toilets in strategic locations across the FCT.

Shettima, however, acknowledged a significant improvement in ODF status across the territory “but if we relax and don’t do anything about it, we will not be able to achieve the ODF status.

“This is why we are partnering with relevant stakeholders to help drive the message to every household on the dangers of open defecation,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Agency celebrates 171 ODF communities in Kwali council

Agency celebrates 171 ODF communities in Kwali council

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By Akpan Glory

Abuja, Dec. 2, 2024 (NAN) The FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) has commended the efforts of 171 communities in Kwali Area Council that have achieved Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status.

Mr Luke Ulom, the overseeing director of FCT RUWASSA, praised these communities during an event marking World Toilet Day 2024, held in collaboration with UNICEF in Abuja on Monday.

He commended the people of Kwali for their commitment to ending open defecation and urged them to continue adopting hygienic practices.

He stated, “This milestone demonstrates that behavioural change, driven by consistent sensitisation, is achievable”.

Mrs Aisha Bakpet from the Sanitation Department at FCT RUWASSA said that 171 communities in Kwali had been certified ODF following two years of sustained campaigns.

She noted the success of the pilot programme in Kwali, which will now be extended to other area councils within the FCT.

She explained that young people in all ten wards of Kwali have been trained as Toilet Business Owners to help sustain these achievements.

According to her, they are responsible for constructing toilets and educating their communities on the importance of sanitation.

Mr Sakiru Otusanya, UNICEF’s WASH Consultant, praised the collaboration between RUWASSA and the people of Kwali, urging residents to maintain their progress in sanitation.

Alhaji Abubakar Pai, the Emir of Pai, called for stronger stakeholder involvement to eliminate open defecation.

Similarly, Abdulaziz Usman, the Emir of Wako, encouraged household heads to prioritise the construction and use of toilets, emphasising the need for stricter sanitation laws to ensure compliance.

The Etsu of Kwali, Ayedo Luka Nizassan II, expressed gratitude to UNICEF and RUWASSA for constructing public toilets in schools and health centres.

He urged residents to continue their efforts to eradicate open defecation.

Mr Daniel Elisha, Head of Administration for Kwali Area Council, assured the public that sensitisation efforts would be strengthened to ensure lasting progress.

The event concluded with the recognition of Gumbo, Pai, and Kwali Central as the wards with the highest number of certified open defecation-free communities.

Signposts were installed in these wards to commemorate the achievement, and committees were established to ensure ongoing progress.

This year’s World Toilet Day, themed ‘Toilet: A Place for Peace’, highlighted the critical role of sanitation in promoting healthier communities.

Established by the UN General Assembly in 2013, the annual observance addresses global sanitation challenges. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

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