BASEPA Seeks Microfinance Banks’ Support For Toilet Evacuators

Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA) is to assist Pit Evacuators Association (PEA) secure loans from micro finance institutions to ensure safe and effective faecal waste management across the state.

The director general of the Agency, Dr Mahmud Bose disclosed this at Misau, during a two day training on effective faecal sludge management for PEA members organised by the agency in partnership with WaterAid Nigeria.

He said his agency was aware of the challenges faced with pit empties (or local toilet evacuators) notably among which include lack of septic tanks, protective equipment, market outlets and technical knowledge required for conversion of faecal sludge for economic usage.

Dr Mahmud Bose said already the state government had ordered for three septic tanks, one of which would be allocated to Misau for safe evacuation and transportation of faecal solid waste to BASEPA designated sites to deter people from dumping such wastes on farms.

Earlier, a resource person and WASH consultant, Dr Sulaiman Ahmed of the Bayero University Kano reminded pit emptiers of the economic benefit of their profession, saying if properly managed, faecal sludge could be converted to fertilizer, animal feed and source of energy for home use.

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Dr Sulaiman however advised the pit emptiers to upgrade their business by ensuring that they utilize modern safety kits to protect themselves, their families and the community at large from health hazards associated with indiscriminate evacuation and disposal of faecal sludge.

Also, WaterAid sanitation and hygiene manager, Victoria Ali hailed Bauchi State government for the successful implementation of the faecal sludge management training outside the state capital, describing it as a milestone that should be replicated in other focal LGAs including Jama’are and Tafawa Balewa.