The team lead of the WASH systems for Health programme at Self Help Africa, Timothy Ibeawuchi, weekend said under the “Clean Nigeria” campaign, Kano state has recorded significant progress, with 32 out of its 44 local government areas already declared open defecation free (ODF).
He said the state is taking a further step by developing a comprehensive and sustainable sanitation framework that will ensure the delivery of quality, equitable and long-lasting sanitation services for all.
He also commended the Kano state government for its efforts in improving environmental sanitation.
Timothy stated this while presenting the outcome of a four day stakeholders’ review meeting on the development of a Sustainable Basic Sanitation Access Roadmap, and Validation of WASH policy for Kano, organised by Self Help Africa with the support of the Kano state government in Kaduna weekend.
In his remarks, the permanent secretary of the Kano state Ministry of Water Resources, Abdulrazaq Haruna, reiterated the commitment of the Kano state government under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to provide essential social services, particularly in the areas of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).
He stated that the government is working closely with stakeholders to establish a sustainable and climate-resilient framework that will ensure everyone has access to sanitation services.
Abdulrazaq also commended the contributions made by participants at the meeting while encouraging them to continue providing useful recommendations toward producing a document that would positively impact the lives of Kano state residents.
The Sanitation and Partnership Adviser, Sukumun N. Ezekiel, also said only 170 out of the 774 local government areas in Nigeria were so far declared open defecation free.
He stated further that the figure reflects the progress made so far, while also highlighting the need for greater efforts to eliminate open defecation across the country in the coming years.
On behalf of the participants, Ambassador Rabi Yusuf Gezawa commended the Kano state government and Self Help Africa for giving them the opportunity to contribute.