FCT RUWASSA TAKES HYGIENE SENSITIZATION CAMPAIGN TO WUSE MARKET, BERGER PARK

By: Adama Aminu and Suzanne Ejewofu George

The Federal Capital Territory Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (FCT RUWASSA) has intensified efforts to combat open defecation through a one-day hygiene sensitization campaign held at Wuse Market and Berger Park in Abuja.

The exercise was aimed at educating traders, motorists, passengers, and other members of the public on the health and environmental dangers associated with open defecation, particularly during the rainy season when the risk of disease outbreaks and reptile infestations is heightened.

Speaking during the campaign, the Head of Institutional Sanitation at FCT RUWASSA, Mr. Adeyanju I.O., stressed the need for residents to embrace proper sanitation practices and make use of available public toilet facilities.

According to him, open defecation remains a major public health concern, contributing to the spread of communicable diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and other sanitation-related illnesses.

He also urged traders, especially those dealing in meat and other perishable food items, to maintain clean and hygienic surroundings to prevent contamination by flies and other disease-carrying agents.

“Good hygiene practices are essential in protecting public health and ensuring food safety. Traders must take responsibility for keeping their environment clean at all times,” he said.

In his remarks, the Vice Chairman of the Berger Park Union commended FCT RUWASSA for organizing the sensitization programme, describing it as timely and necessary.

He noted that the union has consistently encouraged commuters and residents to utilize the public toilet facilities within the park instead of resorting to open defecation. However, he acknowledged that some individuals still engage in the unhealthy practice.

The union leader appealed to relevant authorities to deploy enforcement personnel to strengthen compliance with sanitation regulations and discourage offenders.

“We have been sensitizing people to use the available public toilets, but some still refuse to comply. We need stronger enforcement to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone,” he said.

As part of the exercise, handbills containing key sanitation messages were distributed to traders, motorists, passengers, and members of the public.

The campaign concluded with an inspection of public toilet facilities at Wuse Market and Berger Park to assess their condition and encourage their proper use.

It will be recalled that following the declaration of a State of Emergency in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector in 2018, Nigeria launched the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign in 2019. The initiative is supported by Presidential Executive Order 009 and is aimed at eliminating open defecation across the country by 2030.