From Our Correspondent
The Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) says it is collaborating with traditional institutions to stop open defecation in the Ibarapa zone of the state.
Mr Adeduntan Adeniyi, the agency’s General Manager (GM), announced the plan during a sensitisation workshop for critical stakeholders on WASH Implementation in Ibarapa East Local Government.
Adeniyi said the workshop aimed to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. It would also improve sanitation by 2025, under the WASH project supported by UNICEF.
He noted that the programme would also assist in reducing water and sanitation-related diseases, particularly in rural areas.
The GM said the government “is determined to end open defecation in all nooks and crannies of the state”.
According to him, the state government in partnership with UNICEF, had sensitised critical stakeholders on Wash implementation in Ibarapa East.
Adeniyi urged all stakeholders in the Ibarapa-east to understand the need to embrace WASH activities and take responsibility for sustaining the programme coming to their LGA.
He also appealed to traditional rulers in the zone to bring punitive measures against any household that failed to provide latrines in their respective homes within a given time frame.
The Onilanlate of Lanate, High-Chief Olatunji Samuel, assured full support of their people in achieving the goals.
He said this would enhance the glory of the State and their land, adding that it would make Ibarapa East Open defecation free.
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He likewise expressed the readiness of his people to support the program.
While presenting his goodwill message, WASH Specialist, Mr Monday Johnson (UNICEF) affirmed that Ibarapa East would be Open Defecation Free (ODF) in the next six months.
He encouraged other local government Council Areas to emulate the policy by focusing on behavioural change towards implementing the ODF.
Mr Johnson added that stakeholders should not have the mindset that UNICEF will construct toilets for people.
Rather, he said, UNICEF would only educate people on the importance of maintaining cleanliness. He stressed that the community owns the project, not UNICEF.
He also informed the gathering that UNICEF provided two motorcycles for the ODF programme implementation in Ibarapa East LGA.
In another dimension, the Executive Chairman of Ibarapa East Local Government, Mr Gbenga Gbadebo, said the LGA would establish a WASH Unit and provide logistics for the project.
Gbadebo added that the local government would enlighten its people on the importance of WASH.
He promised to provide land for the WASH project and appoint desk officers for the programme.
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Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Commissioner for Information,
Oyo State.
April 6, 2024.
