Canadian Embassy Inaugurates Used Plastic Bottle Toilet For Enugu Community

Natives of Nkpomkpo- Umuneri, Ugwunani in Aku Diewa, Igbo-Etiti local government area of Enugu State, have been handed over a state-of-the-art South East Pilot used plastic bottle toilet facility funded by the Canadian Embassy.

The project is implemented in six communities across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria with Aku Diewa, being the selected community to represent the Southeast region of Nigeria on the pilot implementation.

Other locations of the project Include, Akwa-Ibom State for South – South, Osun, South West, Niger State for North Central, Kano, North West, and Adamawa, North East respectively.

The toilet facility built with used plastic bottled water, was facilitated by a non governmental organisation, NGO, Rural Engagement and Development Foundation (Redfoundation), in partnership with the International Climate Change Development Initiative (ICCDI) with support from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).

Speaking at the colourful event, Enugu State governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, who spoke though the secretary to the state government SSG, professor Chidebere Onyia, said “this landmark initiative exemplifies how innovation, sustainability, and community partnership can converge to address some of our most pressing sanitation challenges.

“Today’s event is a celebration of ingenuity, environmental responsibility, and the unwavering commitment of Enugu State to improving the quality of life of its citizens.”
Professor Onyia, who spoke through the state Acting Managing Director, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency

EN-RUWASSA, Hon. Chika Mbah, said the state governor since assumption of office, had consistently emphasized that the wellbeing of Enugu’s people is inseparable from access to safe water and proper sanitation.

“Clean communities are not just a reflection of good governance, they are a prerequisite for productive, healthy, and resilient societies.

“It is this vision that drives government policies and motivates our partnerships with development agencies and community leaders.
Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area has set the standard in this regard, becoming the first LGA in Enugu State to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status.

“This milestone reflects the dedication of traditional authorities, local leaders, WASHCOMs, and community members who have embraced behavioural change and committed to sustainable sanitation practices.”

According to him, “The bottle toilet project represents the next step in this journey. By repurposing plastic waste into functional sanitation facilities, the project simultaneously addresses environmental challenges and advances public health.

” The selection of Nkponkpo, Ugwunani to represent the Southeast geopolitical zone in this national pilot underscores the community’s commitment and capacity for innovation.

“I commend the REDFoundation, ICCDI, and CFI-I for their partnership and foresight in supporting this initiative. Your contributions are emblematic of what can be achieved when government, civil society, and development
partners collaborate with a shared vision of a cleaner, healthier Enugu State.

“As we formally hand over this facility to the community, I call on all stakeholders to maintain the spirit of ownership and vigilance that has brought us this far.

“The sustainability of such projects depends on continuous engagement, responsible management, and the active participation of every member of the community.”

In his remark, Executive Director Rural Engagement and Development Foundation, Mr. Ozor Ugonna Kingsley, stated that the project is part of his organisation’s support towards contributing to the consolidation efforts of the status of Open Defecation Free (ODF) Status in Igbo-Etiti LGA.

He said, “We have partnered with the International Climate Change Development Initiative (ICCDI) with support from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) to implement the construction of the innovative Bottle Toilet Facility for public use in Aku Diewa in Igbo-Etiti LGA.”

Kingsley added that “the Bottle Toilet Project aims to provide a sustainable and affordable sanitation solution for communities without accessible toilet facilities.

“This project aims to introduce a toilet system made from recycled plastic/pet bottles. The goal is to construct a simple, economical toilet that can be used in regions without sanitation facilities in strategic public places.

“The project addresses community sanitation, the practice of open defecation and reduction of plastic waste by employing plastic bottles in the construction of the toilets.

“Ultimately, this intervention seeks to promote efforts towards reducing open defecation and plastic waste through the Bottle Toilet Project thereby boosting Women and Youth Involvement in the rolling back of environmental crisis.”

A representative from the International Climate Change Development Initiative (ICCDI), Onyinyechi Iroha urged the natives to guide the facility jealously, stressing that every family should see it as a personal project and not that of the government.

Good will messages were delivered by Community leaders, stakeholders from the Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector, as well as the chairman of Igbo Etiti Traditional Rulers Council.