In in sustained efforts towards ensuring eradication of open defication in the state before the 2025 deadline of WHO, Anambra state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano has inaugurated an interministerial steering committee on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene – WASH in the state.,Governor Obiano performed the function while declaring open a workshop on Declaration of State of Emergency on WASH in the State by UNICEF.

The event held in Awka, was organized by Anambra State Ministry of Public Utilities and Water Resources in collaboration with UNICEF.,Government House Correspondent, Ejike Abana reports that the slogan of WASH campaign in the state is “Operation Clean Anambra, use the toilet.”,The states involved in the EU and UNICEF supported Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Reform Programme include Anambra, Cross River, Kigawa, Kano, Osun, and Yobe states .

The programme is aimed at enhancing child survival and development through sustainable access to water, sanitation and hygiene services.,Governor Obiano said that the importance of the event is derived from the fact that clean and healthy habits remain humanity’s only armour against Covid-19 until a widely accepted vaccine is made available to all.

 

He expressed hope that the launch of the Interministerial Steering Committee on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene WASH will strengthen the state’s collaborative efforts with UNICEF to make the state open defication free as well as address other crucial issues in the public health sector of the state.

In his speech, Commissioner for Public Utility, Engineer. Emeka Ezenwanne lamented that less than fifty percent of Nigerians lack access to sanitation while about nine million people still practice open defication.,He noted that the present administration have made giant strides in the WASH sector through activation of the Otuocha and Obizi regional water schemes among others.

The WASH Manager UNICEF Enugu, Mrs. Mamita Bora-Thakker who commended the Federal Government for declaring a state of emergency on WASH and launch of Clean Nigeria campaign to accelerate progress towards an Open Defecation Free Country by 2025, commended Anambra state government for its significant improvements in WASH.

While stressing the need for people to change their mind set on sanitation, Mrs. Bora-Thakker said that though the WSSRRP project has ended, UNICEF will continue to support the state, in terms of interventions to make Anambra East the first ODF local government Area in the state by 2021, which she said will help establish a stable model for the state.

Present at the event are Commissioner for Health Dr. Vincent Okpala, Commissioners for Basic Education, Prof. Kate Omenugha, Tertiary Education, Barr. Sally Mbanefo, Local government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Greg. Obi among others.

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