By Uzairu Dauda Bunga:
The Plateau State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving public health, environmental sustainability, and the dignity of living conditions across the state through the adoption of a comprehensive Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) strategy.
This pledge was made during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting aimed at adopting the FSM strategy in Plateau State. Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Alhaji Bashir Lawandi Datti—represented by the Ministry’s Director of Administration, Mr. Gonzaga Pam Badung—emphasized the urgent need to tackle the challenges posed by poor faecal waste management. He noted that the growing population in both urban and rural areas necessitates a sustainable and inclusive approach to sanitation.
According to Alhaji Datti, the adoption of the FSM strategy is a significant step towards raising awareness, fostering collaboration, and mobilizing collective action from all sectors and communities. He urged stakeholders not only to support the strategy’s adoption but also to ensure its successful implementation, which is crucial for lasting benefits to the people of Plateau State.
Also speaking, the General Manager of the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) in Plateau State, Engineer Godfrey Dashuhar, highlighted the importance of the FSM document. He noted that effective sanitation and hygiene practices are essential in preventing diseases linked to open defecation and water contamination. He expressed appreciation to UNICEF for their continued support and pledged to mobilize all relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the FSM strategy.
Engineer Dashuhar further announced that all future public toilet facilities in the state would include provisions for people living with disabilities.
In a goodwill message, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Bauchi, represented by Mr. Namba Dawap—called for the full implementation of the FSM strategy in Plateau.
She said that without the proper FSM strategy, Plateau State’s goal of becoming open defecation free (ODF) would be difficult to achieve.
Dr. Rafique stressed that open defecation significantly harms public health, particularly among children, and is a leading cause of child mortality and sanitation-related diseases.
Earlier the Communication Officer at UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Mr. Opeyemi Olagunju outlined the objectives of the engagement, which include raising awareness on climate resilience, promoting the significance of FSM, boosting economic development through job creation, and clarifying the roles of journalists, community leaders, and traditional institutions in supporting government efforts.
The Director of Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion at RUWASSA, Mrs. Magdalene Jibrin, noted that Plateau State is actively working toward achieving ODF status in several local government areas. She said the FSM strategy would greatly aid in realizing this goal.
In his presentation, Professor Ponchang Wuyep of the WASH Institute, University of Jos, said essential components of an effective Faecal Sludge Management system include regular and safe emptying services, secure transportation of sludge, proper treatment facilities, and robust community engagement.
He advocated for the 4Rs approach—Resource Recovery, Recycling, and Reuse—as a shift from traditional waste management practices that regard human waste as valueless.
Engineer David Jaafaru Wuyep, former Commissioner for Water Resources in Plateau State, emphasized the importance of equitable access to sanitation, especially for women, girls, and vulnerable groups.
He outlined the stages toward achieving ODF—pre-development, take-off, acceleration, and stabilization—and urged the state to allocate more resources to ensure that at least four local government areas attain ODF certification.
The engagement marks a crucial step forward in Plateau State’s journey toward sustainable sanitation, improved public health, and environmental resilience.
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