Why I Built Modern Toilet Facility For Eke Amangwu Traders
As a young boy in my primary schools days, I used to join my grandmother, Late Mrs Elizabeth Nnabuike to sell ‘Ogiri’ (Locust bean) in Eke Amangwu Market. In those days, due to lack of toilet in the market, open defecation was one of the ways traders and customers respond to call of nature. Some who could not find a corner to ease themselves will have to rush back home.
Last year, during my electioneering campaign, I visited the market to meet with one of my women leaders, I felt disappointed when she told me on phone call that she was not around the market because she had to rush home to answer the call of nature. This means that the market had remained without a single toilet facility for the past thirty (30) years. I left the market promising myself that I will build a standard public toilet for the use of traders and customers of the market.
Eke Amangwu is the major/traditional market of Umudim Nnewi, for a market that has been in existence for decades servicing thousands of the residents in the community, there is no reason for the continued absence of a functional toilet facility in the market.
I am delighted that this project which has been opened today for use will stop unhealthy acts around the market. I believe the facility will put an end to exposure to human waste which causes diseases.
This project is also in fulfilment of the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which seeks to ensure that there is public convenience in every public place to eliminate open defecation by 2030.
I urge the management and leadership of the market to maintain the facility and treat it as their own personal property.
My appreciation goes to the Almighty God for His grace upon my life. I thank in a special way, Architect Tony Okonkwo for providing the land where this toilet was built and promising to connect the toilet to his borehole for constant water supply.
I express my gratitude to the Traditional Ruler of Umudim Nnewi, His Highness, Obi Benneth Okafor (Amaukwu) who commissioned the project, the Chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in Nnewi North Local Government Area, Hon. Chike Agwuncha and other personalities for their presence.
I will continue to work tirelessly towards ensuring that the welfare of my constituents remains my priority. God bless you, all.
Hon. Nonso Smart Okafor,
Member Representing,
Nnewi North Constituency,
Anambra State House of Assembly.
