Kwaita community steps into new sanitation era with gender-friendly toilet facility

By Stanley Onyekwere

In a major stride toward ending open defecation across the Federal Capital Territory, the FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Directorate otherwise known as (RUWASSA) recently commissioned a state-of-the-art, gender-friendly public toilet facility in the Kwaita community of Kwali Area Council, Abuja.

The commissioning marks another milestone in the administration’s drive to enforce Executive Order 009, an initiative championing improved sanitation, hygiene, and the eradication of open defecation across Nigeria.

The project aligns directly with the broader mandate of the Minister of the FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike, who is making significant efforts to eliminate open defecation across the Territory.

In particular, these ongoing interventions include the strategic provision of public toilets at selected locations alongside targeted programs designed to expand access to safe, hygienic sanitation infrastructure.

Representing the Director of FCT RUWASSA, Dr. (Mrs.) Joyce Chinyere Echoke, at the ceremony, Mr. Danladi Umar Katampe, Head of the Department for Water Quality, Monitoring, and Analysis officially unveiled the facility.

Designed with consideration for the distinct needs of both men and women, the project offers safe, accessible, and dignified sanitation services to the rural community.

Speaking on behalf of the Director, Mr. Katampe emphasized that physical infrastructure is only half the battle. He called on residents of Kwaita to take direct ownership of the facility, ensuring its continuous upkeep, cleanliness, and operational accessibility for all community members.

The collaborative nature of the intervention took center stage as the Executive Chairman of Kwali Area Council, Hon. Nuhu Daniel, expressed appreciation to FCT RUWASSA and its development partners, including WaterAid Nigeria, the Foundation for Sanitation Improvement (FSI), and Black Pelican Limited.

To demonstrate the local government’s commitment to sustainability, Hon. Daniel donated a new generator to the local co-operative society tasked with managing the site, ensuring uninterrupted power supply for water pumps and overall facility operations.

Highlighting the structural and social impact of the intervention, Mr. Napet Chuktu, Head of Programme at WaterAid Nigeria, representing Country Director, Evelyn Mere, stressed that long-term sustainability relies heavily on community-driven systems.

He noted that the project equips local residents with the skills and framework needed for effective management, while particularly underscoring the vital role of women, whose involvement in decision-making strengthens sustainable development.

Glaringly, this community intervention forms part of an ambitious roadmap for the Federal Capital Territory.

According to FCT RUWASSA leadership, the overarching target remains firm – declaring Kwali Area Council completely Open Defecation Free (ODF) by the fourth quarter of 2026.