FCT Moves To Be Open Defecation Free Next Year -RUWASSA

By: Darlington Omotoso

The Overseeing Director, Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, (RUWASSA). Mr Luke Ifop, has said that the Federal Capital Territory Administration is working towards making the Territory open defecation free next year.

The Director stated this as the FCT celebrates the World Toilet Day 2024 in Bwari, a suburb of Abuja.

He said that it is important for governments at all levels to provide and promote safe, inclusive, and climate-resilient sanitation systems and facilities.

According to him, this is to prevent sanitation crisis in all states of the Federation and in the FCT.

The Director, who was represented at the occasion by the Head of Sanitation, FCT RUWASSA, Mrs. Aisha Bakpet, remarked that this year’s theme: “Toilets, A Place for Peace,” highlights the urgent need for stakeholders, which includes everyone, to take decisive action to safeguard sanitation systems and toilets from threats that render them unsafe or inaccessible.

His words: “These challenges affect entire communities, including men, women, children, persons with disabilities, and those living in humanitarian crises and therefore, called on residents to maintain decent toilets in their houses to prevent the outbreak of diseases and embrace hygienic practices.”

The Director said that open defecation is largely responsible for outbreaks of Cholera, Typhoid among others.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Chairman, Bwari Area Council, John Gabaya, thanked the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment towards making FCT one of the leading capital cities of the world.

He appreciated the FCT –RUWASSA for their efforts and numerous advocacy and activities in the Area Council.

“Ending open defecation in the FCT is a priority for all of us and we in Bwari are sparing no effort to achieve this objective.

The Country Director, WaterAid Nigeria, Mrs. Evelyn Mere, in her remarks delivered by Mr. Obinna Maz-Ogbodo, Sanitation and Hygiene Coordinator, WaterAid, revealed that over half of the Nigerian population lacks access to a decent toilet.

Her Words: “This stark reality compromises health, hinders economic growth, and denies millions of people their right to dignity. The urgency to address this challenge cannot be overstated, especially as the effects of Climate Change amplify vulnerabilities, leaving fragile water sources increasingly polluted and sanitation systems overwhelmed.”