Report by ALI MUHAMMAD RABIU; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
Kwara State Government (KWSG) has inaugurated Local Government Sanitation Task Group to coordinate sanitation at the grassroots with a view to stop Open defecation in the state.
The State Commissioner for Water Resources, Yinusa Lade, who oversees the inauguration of the Group by the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), in Ilorin, commended the Agency for its foresight at setting up the Local Government Task Group on Sanitation (LGTS).
Represented by the Chief Administrative Officer of the Ministry, Mr Olu Oyakanye, the Commissioner emphasized that the Groups’ presence in both Ilorin West and Ilorin South Local Government Areas would go a long way to make a lasting impact on the lives of residents.
He explained that the Local Government Task Group was introduced as part of Government’s efforts at improving environmental sanitation and promote a healthier living environment across the state.
Lade further highlighted the urgency of effective sanitation and stressed the importance of community hygiene enforcement and behavioural change, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, where the challenges are more pronounced.
He pointed out that poor sanitation remains a significant contributor to infant mortality and imposes a severe economic burden on both families and the healthcare system at large.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ilorin South Local Government, Nuhu Podo who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Comrade Ayobamire Samson, urged the newly inaugurated Local Government Task Group on Sanitation (LTGS) team to carry out their duties with sincerity and dedication.
He said sanitation is a shared responsibility between local residents and the government.
On his part, the General Manager, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Mr Olorunfemi Oladipo said the inauguration of Local Government Task Group on Sanitation (LTGS) marks the foundation upon which Kwara will build towards achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, at both the state and national levels.
Mr Oladipo assured them that RUWASSA is committed to waging a strong war against open defecation, adding that this is not only a national target but a global mandate, that Kwara State must meet, in order to improve its status within Nigeria.
