Stories by Stanley Onyekwere
In a bid to accelerate action against open defecation, the Director, Abuja Environmental Protection Board, (AEPB), Engr. Osilama Braimah has declared that its Department of Environmental Health and Safety, will continue to go round the rural communities of the FCT to educate them on the ills of lack of toilet facility in their various homes.
Braimah noted that observing proper sanitation and hygiene is yielding great and positive result across all rural communities of FCT.
He that when people have access to clean and safe toilets, they are shielded from shame, embarrassment and such communities are protected from hazardous health conditions.
Making this point while speaking at an event marking the 2024 World Toilet Day in Dutse Makaranta, a suburb of Abuja, he reiterated that the FCT Administration will sustain the campaign against open defecation in the Territory, due to its immense benefits.
Braimah explained that the annual event is meant to draw attention to the issue of open defecation, public sanitation and the importance of having toilets in every community no matter how remote or inaccessible such place is.
According to him: “The whole idea is to prevent the problem of open defecation in our society, because of the health problems like cholera, diphtheria, diarrhea and other diseases that comes from lack of toilets.
“Accordingly, the Department of Environmental Health and Safety of our Board, will continue to go round the rural communities of the FCT to educate them on the ills of lack of this important facility in our homes.
“Sanitation is central in this mission and the provision of public toilets in schools, parks, markets and other shared spaces by the FCT Administration underscores the commitment to accessible, dignified sanitation for all.”
Furthermore, the AEPB boss urged all residents of the FCT to assist and take the campaign to all the nooks and crannies of the Territory, noting that the provision of public toilets though essential, their impact is amplified only when accompanied by a culture of responsible use and hygiene.
“We are trying to inculcate in these young ones the habit of proper sanitation and hygiene. It is to enlighten them on the importance of using toilets; keeping them clean and free from germs and other pathogens.
We all know that it is always easy when people learn good habits at early stage of life so that they grow with it”, he stated.
Similarly, the Director of Environmental Health and Safety of AEPB, Mrs. Kate Ogbonna, opined that access to clean and safe sanitation is the right of every individual.
She added that FCT residents should work together in addressing the global sanitation crises through collaborative efforts, policy innovation and public awareness.
According to her, AEPB is working to ensure they eradicate open defecation, pollution and institute environmental healthiness and clean ecosystem in FCT.
