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William Attah
The Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN), has called on States yet to attain the Open Defecation Free status to expedite efforts in attaining such in the nearest future.
The call was made by the National Coordinator of NEWSAN, Attah Benson, during a courtesy call on the Gombe State Project Coordinator of the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH), Engr Usman A Aliyu, in his office last week Thursday.
Open defection has become a worrisome trend in many cities and rural areas, creating serious public health concerns and environmental challenges. This has given reasons why stakeholders have continued to initiate measures aimed at creating a clean and safe environment.
Seven States are implementing the SURWASH project and the NEWSAN National Coordinator whose message was delivered by Adamu Alhaji Abubakar, Deputy Secretary of NEWSAN, Gombe State Chapter, who alerted that Katsina State is the only State that has attained the ODF status.
He acknowledged the successes achieved through previous advocacy and partnership efforts but noted that, “apart from Katsina State which has attained statewide Open Defecation Free status, other States still have significant work ahead to achieve ODF status and reduce the prevalence of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD’s)”.
According to him, “while the SURWASH programme provides vital support, State Governments must explore alternative funding and implementation strategies to sustain WASH progress”.
He also revealed that the Federal Government had extended the National ODF target from 2025 to 2030 to give States more time to meet their commitments, a reminder of the urgency to accelerate action.
“Over half of the SDG’s agenda depends on progress in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene. Without achieving SDG’s 6 agenda, clean water and sanitation, other goals such as economic growth and job creation (SDG 8), health and Social Justice (SDG 3 and 16), sustainable consumption and food security (SDG 12 and 2) sustainable cities and poverty reduction (SDG 12 and 1) would remain unattainable”, he stressed while affirming NEWSAN’s commitment towards collaboration with all stakeholders to strengthen systems and institutions.
Earlier, the Gombe State NEWSAN Coordinator, Idris Maigari Lawanti, advocated for inclusive gender response and equity focused WASH, planning, strengthening coordination, information sharing and community engagement between SURWASH, CO’S and community structures as well as reviving the old ‘dubagari’ system of educating communities from the grassroots.
In his response, the Gombe State Coordinator for SURWASH, Engr Usman A Aliyu, commended the initiatives of NEWSAN towards SURWASH activities and sustainability.
While assuring NEWSAN of SURWASH’s readiness to collaborate in promoting improved water, sanitation, hygiene and environmental health across the State, he promised to engage NEWSAN in their activities, stating that SURWASH maintains an open-door policy.
