By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
In an effort towards ending open defecation in Borno State, the General Manager, Rural Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Engr. Dr. Mohammed Aliyu has disclosed that about 66,570 people have so far gained access to safe toilet and sanitation facilities through the construction and rehabilitation of household latrines under the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) scheme.
Dr. Aliyu also said that about 136,712 people have changed their attitude and behaviour on open defecation and are currently living in communities certified Open Defecation Free facilities in Biu, Shani and Bayo LGAs of the state
The GM, while presenting a paper at a one day media dialogue on Open Defecation Free Nigeria 2025, further said that the state government has commenced the implementation of the CLTS in Konduga, Bama, Mafa, BIU, Bayo, and Shan L.GAs where about 18,816 household latrines were constructed and put to use under the Community-Led Total Sanitation Scheme apart from the promotion of improved technology options through sanitation marketing which led to the construction of 13000 “Safe Toilet” (SATO PAN).
According to him, the state government planned to support and ensure the readiness of the health, water, education and environment sectors for the achievement of Open Defecation Free Nigeria in 2025.
He added that the state government under the dynamic leadership of Engr. Prof. Babagana Zulum has further approved the rehabilitation of over 300 hand pumps across the state in addition to construction of over 300 hand pumps across the state.
The General Manager, further, said that the construction of over hundred (100) solar energy powered and hybrid boreholes across the state comprising of lower, middle and upper aquifer boreholes as well as boreholes in basements across the state.
He explained further that the construction of two additional mega water works similar to that of Alamduri water works, construction of 6 mini water works 2 in M.M.C., 1 each in Jere, Kaga, Hawul and Konduga LGAs, while prioritizing actions to be taken to ensure the readiness of the project for the Open Defecation Free Nigeria.
Dr. Aliyu stated that the state government has already rolled out the National Open Defecation Free Nigeria (ODF) Road map to eliminate open defecation in Borno state with emphasis on scaling up strategies for behavioral change awareness communication, quality assurance, sanitation marketing and financing for poor households.
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