FCT to end open defecation before 2025 – RUWASSA

In a bid to rid open defecation and ensure adequate supply of safe water and sanitation in rural communities of the FCT, the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) is collaborating with stakeholders and partners to work out achievable strategies to comply with Presidential Order 009. Speaking during a visit to the FCT Water […]

In a bid to rid open defecation and ensure adequate supply of safe water and sanitation in rural communities of the FCT, the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) is collaborating with stakeholders and partners to work out achievable strategies to comply with Presidential Order 009.

Speaking during a visit to the FCT Water Board, the Executive Director of RUWASSA, Dr Ali Dan-Hassan, said the FCTA was poised to tackle the menace of open defecation before the 2025 deadline through the provision of public toilets in rural and urban areas, water sanitation, as well as campaign for change of behaviour among residents.

Dr Dan-Hassan noted that stakeholders such as the FCT Water Board, Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), Urban and Regional Planning Department and Public Health Department had a crucial role to play to deliver on the mandate so as not to leave the FCT lagging in that regard.

He said the FCTA, in partnership with the private sector, was working to provide befitting public toilets based on Build, Operate and Maintain (BOM), adding that many letters from prospective investors had been received and that RUWASSA was conducting assessment and inspection of proposed sites.

Responding, the General Manager of the water board, Mrs Joy Okoro, expressed delight at the visit, stating that RUWASSA which had been part of the board would still enjoy maximum cooperation of the board.

Speaking through the Deputy Director, Quality Control of the water board, Mrs Ajanaku Olanike, the GM assured the RUWASSA team of the board’s readiness to support and provide all what was necessary in the provision of public toilets.

Meanwhile, the FCT RUWASSA has also signed a partnership with the Centre for Constructive Leadership Development International (CCLDI) on the implementation of Executive Order 009.

Speaking at a brief ceremony to seal the deal, Dr Dan-Hassan welcomed the CCLDI move.

In his remarks, Coordinator of CCLDI, Mr Emmanuel Okafor, noted that RUWASSA and CCLDI were working for the same goal that would be beneficial to the residents of the territory.