The FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) has commended the efforts of 171 communities in Kwali Area Council that have achieved Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status.
Mr Luke Ulom, the overseeing director of FCT RUWASSA, praised these communities during an event marking World Toilet Day 2024, held in collaboration with UNICEF in Abuja on Monday.
He commended the people of Kwali for their commitment to ending open defecation and urged them to continue adopting hygienic practices.
He stated, “This milestone demonstrates that behavioural change, driven by consistent sensitisation, is achievable”.
Mrs Aisha Bakpet from the Sanitation Department at FCT RUWASSA said that 171 communities in Kwali had been certified ODF following two years of sustained campaigns.
She noted the success of the pilot programme in Kwali, which will now be extended to other area councils within the FCT.
She explained that young people in all ten wards of Kwali have been trained as Toilet Business Owners to help sustain these achievements.
According to her, they are responsible for constructing toilets and educating their communities on the importance of sanitation.
Mr Sakiru Otusanya, UNICEF’s WASH Consultant, praised the collaboration between RUWASSA and the people of Kwali, urging residents to maintain their progress in sanitation.
Alhaji Abubakar Pai, the Emir of Pai, called for stronger stakeholder involvement to eliminate open defecation.
Similarly, Abdulaziz Usman, the Emir of Wako, encouraged household heads to prioritise the construction and use of toilets, emphasising the need for stricter sanitation laws to ensure compliance.
The Etsu of Kwali, Ayedo Luka Nizassan II, expressed gratitude to UNICEF and RUWASSA for constructing public toilets in schools and health centres.
He urged residents to continue their efforts to eradicate open defecation.
Mr Daniel Elisha, Head of Administration for Kwali Area Council, assured the public that sensitisation efforts would be strengthened to ensure lasting progress.
The event concluded with the recognition of Gumbo, Pai, and Kwali Central as the wards with the highest number of certified open defecation-free communities.
Signposts were installed in these wards to commemorate the achievement, and committees were established to ensure ongoing progress.
This year’s World Toilet Day, themed ‘Toilet: A Place for Peace’, highlighted the critical role of sanitation in promoting healthier communities.
Established by the UN General Assembly in 2013, the annual observance addresses global sanitation challenges. (NAN)
