By Uzairu Dauda Bunga:
Bauchi State has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating open defecation across the state.
The State Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Abdulrazak Nuhu Zaki, made this announcement in an address during the commemoration of the 2024 World Toilet Day held in Bauchi.
The Commissioner highlighted the state’s collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to combat diseases caused by open defecation.
Alhaji Abdulrazak Nuhu Zaki, praised UNICEF for implementing strategies to encourage the use of hygienic and properly constructed toilets worldwide.
In her remarks, the Chief of Field Office for UNICEF in Bauchi, Dr Nuzhat Rafique represented by WASH Officer Mrs. Dawap Namba, acknowledged the progress made in Bauchi State, noting that 9 out of the state’s 20 local government areas have been declared Open Defecation Free, and , called for greater efforts to ensure the entire state achieves the status.
Dr Rafique emphasized the global impact of poor sanitation, especially on children and adolescent girls, pointing out that unsafe sanitation increases the risk of life-threatening diseases such as cholera, which remains a leading cause of death among children.
She said, safe and hygienic toilets are essential for public health, protecting water sources, and ensuring safety for women and children.
The UNICEF Chief of Field Office, commended Bauchi State for becoming the first state in Nigeria to launch a Faecal Sludge Management Implementation Guideline, describing it as a milestone in improving sanitation for children and women.
Also speaking on challenges of open Defecation, the Director General of the Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA), Dr. Muhammad Mahmood Bose, identified lack of legal and regulatory framework for faecal sludge management, limited awareness among policymakers, insufficient infrastructure, and negative attitudes as major obstacles to achieving the set target.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Bose highlighted significant achievements, to combat the menace of Open defecation, to include; formalization of manual and mechanized pit emptiers, capacity building for pit emptiers and toilet business owners, increased access to sanitation facilities, government support for septic truck maintenance and procurement and construction of user-friendly sanitation infrastructure.
He also noted that Bauchi’s progress has inspired other states, such as Jigawa, to adopt similar measures.
In a presentation on Bauchi State’s Open Defecation Free journey, the General Manager of RUWASSA, Alhaji Adamu Sab, recounted the state’s efforts since the enactment of the National Open Defecation Free aw in 2018.
The General Manager of RUWASSA added that Bauchi State Government, in partnership with UNICEF and other stakeholders, remains committed to achieving statewide ODF status.
He said, Bauchi Local Government recently became the ninth LGA in the state to achieve ODF status, with Zaki LGA expected to emerge as the 10th.
He applauded the Emir of Dass, Alhaji Othman Bilyaminu Usman, for his pivotal role in driving Dass LGA to become an ODF pioneer, and urged other traditional leaders to emulate the Emir’s dedication in supporting the state’s fight against open defecation.
Alhaji Sabo, added that efforts will continue to focus on building sustainable sanitation systems, raising awareness, and fostering community collaboration to eliminate open defecation and improve public health.
