Traditional and community leaders in Anambra State have been urged to employ better and effective strategies to end open defecation in the state.
The call was made at a two-day sensitization meeting with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Wash Sanitation and Hygiene Office, traditional rulers and President Generals in Aguata Local Government Area on Open Defecation Roadmap.
The meeting, attended by community leaders from Isuofia, Uga, Oraeri, Ezinifite, Amesi, Akpo, Umuchu and Igboukwu among others, brainstormed on proper sanitation method and best way to maximize amenities in the domains of the royal fathers.
Speaking during the meeting, the WASH Coordinator, Peter Akwobi, said the forum was aimed at sensitizing the locals on the implications of not having toilet facilities in their markets, parks, town halls and other public places.
He said while toilet facilities were lacking in some communities, those who have them hardly make use of them, thereby exposing themselves to many health hazards.
Also speaking, the Sanitation Officer, Rural Water Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Mrs. Nwankwu Oluchi, expressed satisfaction at the steady improvement of the residents’ sensitization to health issues, which has resulted to the certification of about 225 communities as open defecation free.
She urged the remaining communities to key into the exercise to ensure the entire area council attained open defection free status.
In his speech, the traditional ruler of Isuofia, Igwe Christopher Moughalu, commended UNICEF and other supporting agencies for remaining steadfast to promoting hygiene, sanitation and development among communities.
One of the president generals, Samuel Okeke, regretted the rampant defecation by dogs in the area, and called for enforcement of the law restricting dogs from roaming the streets within the communities.
