Kwara State Government partners with UNICEF to combat open defecation

The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with UNICEF or any willing donor agency in the quest to eliminate open defecation within the state. Commissioner for Water Resources, Usman Yunusa Lade, conveyed this commitment during a courtesy visit by UNICEF’s WASH specialist, Mrs. Theressa Pammer, to his office in Ilorin, the state capital.

Commissioner Lade revealed that the state government has allocated N200 million to facilitate the construction of toilets and other WASH facilities in health and educational institutions as well as marketplaces across the state. He highlighted the recent launch of a campaign against open defecation, aiming to educate and sensitize the public about the importance of having toilet facilities in their communities.

Usman stressed the engagement of state and national assembly members, urging them to complement the government’s efforts by providing WASH facilities in their respective constituencies. He also appealed for support from individuals, organizations, and NGOs to assist the state in achieving its goal.

UNICEF’s WASH specialist, Mrs. Theressa Pammer, expressed concern about the alarming percentage of people practicing open defecation and consuming contaminated water in Kwara State. She emphasized the need for stringent measures to eradicate this practice and highlighted the importance of hygiene for a healthy environment.

Pammer urged the Kwara State Government to strive for a 100% drinkable water supply, emphasizing that the state has the potential to set an example for others to follow. She reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Kwara State in its efforts to combat open defecation.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Christiana Asonibare, appreciated UNICEF’s specialist for the visit and expressed the ministry’s desire for a strong collaboration between UNICEF and the state government to elevate Kwara to greater heights.