Plateau commits to eradicating open defecation by 2027

By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –

The Plateau State Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) initiative has reiterated its dedication to eradicating open defecation in the region by 2027.

This commitment was underscored during a one-day interactive session held in Jos on Tuesday, which gathered journalists, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and other stakeholders to discuss the state’s challenges in water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Jonathan Malann, the Plateau SURWASH Program Coordinator, highlighted the significance of the session, describing it as a vital platform for strengthening partnerships and raising awareness about ongoing activities.

He stated, “Today’s program is crucial to the implementation of the SURWASH initiative. Many activities have already taken place, more are ongoing, and many others are planned. However, the irony is that a lot of people are still unaware of what we are doing. This platform allows us to showcase our progress, highlight achievements, and outline what we aim to submit as results to the World Bank.”

Malann revealed concerning statistics, noting that over 56% of Plateau residents engage in open defecation, positioning the state as the second highest in the North Central region, just behind Kogi.

“This is a concerning statistic and a bad omen for us as a state. Addressing this challenge is one of our program’s key targets, particularly through Disbursement Linked Indicator 6, which focuses on enabling communities to achieve open defecation-free (ODF) status. By 2027, when this program concludes, we intend to ensure Plateau State no longer grapples with open defecation.” he said. He added that initiatives are underway to ensure at least two local governments reach ODF status as a starting point.

Additionally, Malann explained the program’s result-based funding model, which involves independent verification of achievements by an Independent Verification Agent (IVA) before submission to the World Bank for funding disbursement.

“The IVA does not operate in isolation. The media is a critical stakeholder in reporting the results we have generated so far. The outcomes we present will dictate the funds allocated to the state, making collaboration with the media and CSOs essential. Our aim is to reach over 30,000 people across various local government areas in Plateau State. It’s vital that Plateau citizens comprehend and appreciate our efforts while actively engaging in the process,” he stressed.
He urged journalists to lead the charge in disseminating information to promote public awareness and support for the program’s objectives.

Declaring the session open, Plateau Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Bashir Datti, represented by the ministry’s Director of Administration, Steven Gyang, assured stakeholders of the government’s unwavering commitment to achieving the target. He expressed optimism that the deliberations would redefine the state’s approach to water and sanitation.

Also, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Plateau Chapter, Mrs. Ayuku Pwaspo, praised the initiative but expressed concern about the slow progress in addressing sanitation issues.

“It’s unfortunate that Plateau State remains where it is despite being more enlightened than many states in the North. As journalists, it’s difficult to keep reporting on issues that portray Plateau negatively.

” For instance, reporting that Plateau is second in the North Central or labeled as dirty is disheartening for all of us. I urge policymakers to prioritize implementation over policies and ensure the investments in the water sector translate into tangible results,” she remarked.

The event also underscored the vital role of community involvement in sustaining water infrastructure. Theresa Gyang, SURWASH’s Sensitization and Hygiene Officer, noted that effective community engagement is key to ensuring the proper use and maintenance of facilities. “By sensitizing the communities and involving them in the planning process, we can ensure that they protect the facilities and use them effectively,” she stated.

Participants, including Esther Bitrus, Dennis Bateer, and other stakeholders, echoed the need for active media involvement in promoting sanitation and hygiene practices across the state. Discussions also covered strategies such as community-led total sanitation and gender-inclusive implementation plans, with stakeholders agreeing on the importance of engaging communities from the outset to ensure sustainable success.