Gombe to establish task group to check Open Defecation in over 6,250 communities
Desk Officer WASH/Open defecation with the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Saadu Yuguda, says the state will establish State Task Group on Sanitation (STGS), in a bid to check Open Defecation with the communities.
Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari in November 2018 declared state of emergency in the WASH sector with the National Action Plan aimed at revitalizing the sector towards ensuring that all Nigerians have access to sustainable and safely managed WASH services by 2030
Yuguda noted that the STGS would help the certify it status as Open Defecation Free (ODF).
He made this disclosure to Punch Healthwise on Wednesday when an advocacy working group Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN), paid the agency a courtesy call.
According to him, based on the SDG target goal 6 as well as the open defecation society by 2025 in Nigeria, adding that Gombe wants to make it a reality within the over 6,250 rural areas.
He said, “We want to ensure that safe drinking water is available and we are determined to achieve this.
“In Gombe State we have over 6,250 rural communities at the moment I want to believe some of them are open defecation free but we can’t justify that by documentation.
“Recently, I told my boss about the need to establish STGs and start a process of certifying open defecation.
“A mobilisation officer was telling me that there are some communities claiming Open Defecation Free but we don’t have State Task Group on Sanitation as they are the only ones that can certify a community Open Defecation Free.
Yuguda explained that no organisation succeeds without synergy, noting that the current administration is open to more support in reaching it expectations.
“The certification process starts with local government WASH unit, RUWASSA and then comes State Task Group on Sanitation as the last body that will certify ODF communities and it in process.
“On the issue of collaboration, whatever you come with we are ready for you. There is no how STGs can be established without a CSO,” Yuguda added.
Speaking earlier, State Coordinator of NEWSAN Dr. Sanni Jauro said the group’s mandate is to advocate for inclusion and access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene facilities for all Nigerians, especially Gombe residents.
Represented by the State Secretary, Husaini Abdullahi, who noted that the position of the state as the centre of the North East puts it in jeopardy as alot of persons migrate without recourse to the existing infrastructure.
Jauro said, “We are here to solicit for your support and inclusion for line budget towards ending open defecation in the state between 2025 and 2030.
“Gombe State is at the centre of the North East, with migrants from Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and other neighbouring states and there are inadequate facilities. Hence, the need to advocate for collaboration in order to achieve this target.”
Also, General Manager of RUWASSA Engr. Abdurraqib Sa’eed, expressed delight at the collaboration with NEWSAN, noting that he would ensure the partnership succeeds.
“Whatever will be for us to collaborate with your organisation do it and we will give you the maximum cooperation that is expected of us,” Sa’eed said.
Similarly, Deputy Chairman on Appropriation and the Chairman Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs house committee Shuaibu Adamu, lauded the collaboration, While urging the team to remind him as at when due to pay special focus on WASH.
He noted that the house, along side the administration of Governor Muhammadu Yahaya had shown commitment in mitigating the challenges of water.
Adamu said, “This Government alongside the legislative arm are in support of Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
“Since it is time for budget we will make sure we include Water Sanitation and Hygiene in various ministries so as to minimize if not eradicate open defecation to have safe and clean drinking water and also safe environment for our people. We are ever ready to partner with you to achieve what you want to achieve.”
