Open Defecation: Kwara Gov’t Directs LGs To Establish WASH Depts

In a bold step to eradicate open defecation in all communities, the Kwara State government has directed all 16 local government areas in the state to establish Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) departments.

Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr Amina El-Imam gave the directive during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting with local government chairmen and their directors of personnel and management on WASH programme.

The meeting with the theme: “Eradication of Open Defecation in Kwara State” was organised by the State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) in Ilorin, the state capital.

Represented by the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Barakat Olanrewaju, the Commissioner highlighted the health, environmental, and socio-economic consequences of open defecation.

The Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Usman Lade urged the council chairmen and officials to take decisive action in their jurisdictions to eradicate open defecation.

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Lade, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Christiana Ashonibare rolled out the state government’s initiatives aimed at promoting a healthier Kwara State.

In his remarks, the General Manager of RUWASSA, Mr. Olorunfemi Oladipo disclosed that six communities in Oke Ero local government area of the state have been certified open defecation-free through RUWASSA’s interventions.

He restated the agency’s dedication to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals by expanding sanitation infrastructure, promoting behavioural change, enforcing policies and regulations, and fostering partnerships for sustainability.

A resource person at the event, Professor Henry Sawyer praised the state’s achievements as reflected in the UNICEF rankings, attributing the progress to the efforts of the state government and concerned agencies.