South-East’s unending quest to attain open defecation free society by 2025 ( 2)
By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu
During the long dry season, there were some actions we took that came after us as the first rains for the year 2020 dropped. The animal dungs, particularly the indiscriminate cow dungs across our streets and paths, and human excreta in the bushes and gutters though dried, floated as the flood drive them down to our streams and water sources. This is one out of the consequences of Open defecation. ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU x-rays the dangers of open defecation and the futile efforts in South-East to checkmate it before 2025.
——-Continued from Part 1 ?(https://www.odogwublog.com/south-easts-unending-quest-to-attain-open-defecation-free-society-by-2025-1/)
Anambra to End Open Defecation in 2025
By February 2016, the Anambra State government had announced it would end open defecation in 2025. It announced a proactive effort in encouraging citizens to build toilets in all motor parks, markets, hospitals and other public places. The state presented its open defecation free road map with a charge on the members of the public to have self-discipline by defecating in toilets and washing their hands regularly.
The Governor Willie Obiano led administration commissioned building of public toilets in 10 locations in Anambra state at the cost of N10 Million each totalling N100 Million. It has been awarded, fund released to contractors and work reached about 45 percent in some areas. Have they been completed 5 years after? Not all of them, as a site of one of the projects in front of ABS Radio/Tv at Aroma junction police check point, Awka is an eyesore. The location is close to Dr Alex Ekwueme Boulevard.
The VIP public toilets/conveniences in 10 locations in the state under the supervision of then Commissioner for Ministry of Public Utility and Water Resources Anambra State, Hon. Obi Nwankwo stalled.
Obiano’s efforts was a good move and a way of keeping the environment healthy and minimize open defecation but it has not achieved its purpose yet. The VIP toilets are located at Aroma junction, Aguleri, Onitsha Otu, Nnewi, Ekwulobia, Nkpor, Ihiala, Mgbuka Obosi, Ogidi market and Umunze. The projects were awarded in 2014 by Obiano.
Then Utility commissioners Chinedu Emeka and Obi Nwankwo avoided questions in that regards, even as the present commissioner for power, and domestic water development Engr. Emeka Ezenwanne hadn’t spoken on the abandoned lavatories, and efforts to speak to him didn’t materialize before now, though inside sources said he is committed to investigating what happened and completing the project.
The Acting Director, Water Resources Department of the ministry , Mr Victor Ezekwo was not disposed to speak to the media when the commissioner was not on seat even though he had informed that the Governor’s blue print on sustainable water and sanitation will soon be enjoyed by the citizenry.
At another forum, Hon Ezenwanne after tour of duties said he has mandate of Obiano for a comprehensive plans to restore water in the state, even as he re-echoed that Anambra targets to achieve Open defecation free status by 2025 during a RUWASSA closure workshop for Anambra State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, RUWASSA, state level two day closure workshop for Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Reform Programme, WSSSRP two in Awka. President General of communities led by ASATU Boss, Chief Alex Onukwue attended the event.
He noted that Anambra is very much committed to ensuring that the issue of open defecation becomes a thing of the past by 2025 as the state government has plans for provision of more toilet facilities in schools, markets, motor parks, health facilities and other public places which are already in place.
He further mentioned that the state government is working tirelessly to ensure adequate water supply across the state which is also a key element in achieving the open dedication free Anambra.
On his part, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Budget and Development Partners, Mr Mark Okoye while appreciating the UNICEF for their interventions and support to the state government, pointed out the need for a greater awareness campaign against open defecation, assuring a level playing ground and adequate support from the government.
Also speaking, the Water, Hygiene and Sanitation, WASH, Manager, Mamita Bora Thakkar promised to work with the state government in winning the war against open defecation and water sanitation.
The Anambra State Acting Programme Manager of RUWASSA, Mr. Emeka Okwuogu and the RUWASSA, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Mr Andy Nwanze, the Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Dr Peter Egenti, among others stated their minds on how Anambra state open defecation free could be achieved.
Meanwhile, Governor Obiano has kept his words on Otuocha and Obizi-Uga Regional Water Schemes which have commenced operation since May this year. Otuocha water facility, which is a partnership between Anambra State Government and the European Union (EU) is sourced from Omambala River and has the capacity to treat ten million litters of water daily. The same open source water polluted by open defecation, though treated but assuming any mistake in that regards.
Governor Obiano said the Otuocha water project was in two phases and stated that the first phase would cover three communities and the second phase of the project will cover about eight communities and is expected to come on board by December 2020. He was emphatic it was targeted at ending open defecation in Anambra State.
The representative of the European Union, Mr. Hannes Mostert, explained that the water after being treated at the treatment plant, would be stored in a 450 cubic meter high tank, which would be reticulated.
The head of contracting firm handling the project, Mr. Paul Enidom, commended the Anambra State Government for the opportunity.
On Obizi-Uga Regional Water Scheme, Aguata, Mr. Enidom complained of ecological challenge due to the topography of the area, noting that the spring is filled with sand whenever it rains.
This is coming as a monitoring Team of European Union (EU) and UNICEF visited some of their health project sites in various areas of Anambra State. The projects were aimed at ensuring healthy living, targeted at WASHCOM programme that include proper hand washing, provision of good drinking water and open defecation free.
The UN Representative, Mrs Kate Kenebi expressed joy at the level of work done, and called on stakeholders to take ownership of the projects and foster ways to expand them. She expressed disappointment at erosion devastation that hindered progress at Obizi Community in Aguata LGA.
Are the boreholes in the state rehabilitated as promised in the three senatorial zones and water reticulated to markets etc as promised by then State Commissioner for Power and Domestic Water Development in Anambra State, Mr. Obi Nwankwo before being moved to Ministry of Environment?
Wife of the State Governor, Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano was on October 18th, 2019 crowned the ‘Wash Ambassador’ in recognition of her roles in provision of safe water, toilets, and hand washing facilities to Anambra children, women and people living with disabilities. She has also provided toilets to numerous markets in the state as well as for some widows.
The UNICEF Wash Consultant in the State, Mr. Clement Chigboo and EU Institutional and Policy expert, Mr. Kabiru Abass said the eradication of open defecation, diseases like cholera and diarrhoea will help the governor achieve the investment drive in the state.
At the same period, the stakeholders from Federal Polytechnic Oko in partnership with the institution, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Rural Water Supply And Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), and Small/Medium Enterprises (SME), frowned at open defecation and poor sanitation and hygiene in general, identifying them as the major sources of diseases threatening the existence of mankind.
Open defecation according to them, aside leading to air or water pollution, causes diarrhoea and intestinal worm infections, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, polio, trachoma and others. They said human excreta usually contain large numbers of germs which when people excrete in the open environment, flies will feed on and further carry some away on their bodies and feet to be transferred on food when they touch/perch on food, and the germs can grow and increase in numbers in a few hours before been eaten by human.
Consultant, UNICEF Nigeria, Mr. DIPAK Roy at the event advised people to provide and make use of toilet and its facilities, including frequent hand washing with soaps so as to minimize diseases.
Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Utilities and Water Resources, Mr. Douglas Mbah, advised the citizenry to refrain from defecating at bushes among other open places, disclosing that his government has started a programme of such all over the state, and will soon begin to clamp on perpetrators of the act with a view to ensuring improved environmental sanitation and healthy populace.
Then Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Prof. Godwin Onu represented by then Deputy Rector (Administrations), Comrade Ejike Nwagbona, disclosed that there were ongoing super-structured cost-efficient toilets projects in the polytechnic hostels designed to stay 5 to 6 years without been filled up with excreta, adding that the Polytechnic enjoys proper sanitation since inception, because toilets or convenient exist at all their accommodations and classrooms. But, does this prevent open defecation in the institution? Not at all, as open defecation is high within Ekwulobia, Nanka , Oko and Amaokpala communities even in students’ hostels.
Already, Governor Willie Obiano have commissioned 27 solar-powered borehole projects in 27 villages in Aguata and Anambra East Local Government Areas of the state in a counterpart arrangement between the Government of Anambra State, the European Union and UNICEF. He commissioned sanitation facilities including flush toilets, urinals and hand-washing facilities located in primary schools in the two council areas.
The sanitation facilities were at Ifite-Aguluezechukwu, Eziagulu-Ekwulobia, Obeagu Ezionye-Ezinifite, Ihuowerre_Igbukwu and Agbako-AwarasiUga in Aguata Local Government and Agbudani-Nando and Isinyi Nando in Anambra East Council Area respectively.
The water projects were located in OkwuchiEzeadaEzinifite, Eziagulu-Ekwulobia, Umuchiama-Ekwulobia, Ifite-Aguluezechukwu, Enugwu-Aguluezechukwu, Okpo-Ekwulobia, Ihuokpala-Ekwulobia, AmakaEnuamafite-Ezinifite, ObeaguEzionye-Ezinifite, UmumeUmudege-Igboukwu, Ihuowele-Igboukwu, ObiokpalaOzalla-Isuofia, Ezioka-Isuofia, AgbakoAwarasi-Uga and EziheUmueze-Uga all in Aguata Local Government Area of the state.
Others include UmugamaEziagulu- Aguleri, UmuanaeviliEziagulu-Aguleri, ObinunoUmuano-Nando, Isinyi-Nando, Iruozobia-Umueri, UmuanwunaIfite-Aguleri, Ugeme-Umeri, UmuanaezunuEziagulu-Aguleri, EgbeaguEziagulu-Aguleri, Obinetiti-Umueri, OwololieIfite-Aguleri and UmungalaguIfite-Aguleri all in Anambra East Local Government Area. Are these facilities working optimally?
Governor Obiano revealed that in partnership with UNICEF and the European Union, his administration had embarked on the construction of toilets and sanitation facilities in the state as a measure to end open defecation.
The Chief of Field Office in UNICEF, Mr. Charles Nzuki represented by Mr Saaondo Anom , a WASH Specialist had explained that the 27 solar-powered boreholes in 27 communities would provide access to safe drinking water to 67,500 people while 2,400 pupils and their teachers would get access to decent and hygienic toilets, hand washing and urinal facilities in twelve schools in Aguata and Anambra East LGAs.
The European Union (EU), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with Anambra State government have established Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Committee (WASHCOM) federations in Aguata and Anambra East Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The election cum inauguration took place during a capacity building program anchored by Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) at Otuocha and Ekwulobia.
The Programme Manager, RUWASSA, Victor Ezekwo charged the WASHCOM Federation members to endeavour to organize themselves and maintain a sustainable structure that when EU, UNICEF disengage any other NGO that comes will meet an existing body on ground.
Unicef State WASH consultant and Unicef WASH coordinator Anambra East, Mr. Chigbo Clement and Amina OminI respectively reminded the participants on the need to continue the fight to stop open defecation.
They enjoined them to ensure that every household, public places has and uses a toilet always covered and having hand washing facilities close by, adding that children must learn how to use potty.
The State hygiene officer, Dr. Mrs. Rose Amasiani reiterated the five domains of hygiene practices namely personal, environmental, safe excreta disposal, safe water chain and food hygiene urging them to sustain the practices.
“There are vaccine preventable and hygiene preventable diseases. If only we can wash our hands properly with soap/ash and running water , keep our body, food, water and environment clean, good health is assured’ she said.
Water quality officer, Mr. Andy Nwanze asked the participants to ensure that the water they consume was certified or tested adding that they should tidy the environment of the water facilities to avoid pollution.
Professor Solo Chukwulobelu added that Anambra is among the few states on the country that has WASH policy, Water law, investment plans and Open Defecation Free roadmap, which will put an end to open defecation in the state.
Chukwulobelu represented by the permanent Secretary in the Office, Dr. Dan Ezeanwu said the state is proud to be among the few with water law and plans to end open defecation, which is responsible for most diseases.
N5,000 fine for open defecation
Residents of Idemili South council area of Anambra state have been cautioned against open defecation and other unhygienic practices across various communities of the council.
Chairman, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Committee (WASHCOM), Oba Ward 1, Idemili South, Godwin Uche has warned that anybody caught defeating opening in any part of the community would pay a fine of N5,000. He gave the advice at the council headquarters in Ojoto during the formation of WASHCOM federation.
Uche explained that the decision on the penalty fine on defaulters was one way of checkmating the ugly trend.
He said, “We move round to make sure these buildings have toilet facility or eject the strangers living there.
“Those caught defecating in my community are fined N5,000 or you dig the surface and bury your faeces.”
He regretted that efforts of the committee to ensure the communities attain the open defecation free status were being frustrated by strangers and those he termed illiterates.
He explained that the decision on the penalty fine on defaulters was one way of checkmating the ugly trend.
“We’ve had influx of strangers due to urbanization. People from various states are moving into our communities.
“Uncompleted buildings are being occupied by these strangers and some of the buildings lack toilet facilities,” he decried.
He added, “We have so many illiterates in the community who hardly understand what we are saying.
“Traditionally, our people like defecating in the open. It has been a culture. Eradicating it has not been easy, though it is reducing gradually.”
Earlier, the Community mobilization officer (CMO), RUWASSA, Okpaladinobi Chinwoke said formation of WASHCOM federation was to ensure sustainability of the WASH activities.
Continued on (Click here for Part 3)
This investigative piece was written by Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD. Odogwu, a culture and tradition aficionado and a foodie is a known Journalist, Editor, Media Consultant and famous Blogger, as well as Social Media Entrepreneur, publisher and Conversationalist @ www.odogwublog.com among others.
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