Anambra Targets To Achieve Open Defecation Free Status By 2025 As RUWASSA Holds Closure Workshop For WSSSRP In Awka

Anambra State Government has restated its commitment to achieving the 2025 target on Open Defecation Free Anambra.

The Commissioner for Public Utilities, Mr Emeka Ezenwanne, stated this
in Awka during the Anambra State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, RUWASSA, state level two day closure workshop for Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Reform Programme, WSSSRP two.

Declaring the event open, the Commissioner for Public Utilities, Mr
Emeka Ezenwanne noted that Anambra is very much committed to ensuring that the issue of open defecation becomes a thing of the past by 2025 as the state government has plans for provision of more toilet facilities in schools, markets, motor parks, health facilities and
other public places which are already in place.

He further mentioned that the state government is working tirelessly to ensure adequate water supply across the state which is also a key element in achieving the open dedication free Anambra.

On his part, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Budget and Development Partners, Mr Mark Okoye while appreciating the UNICEF for their interventions and support to the state government, pointed out the need for a greater awareness campaign against open deification, assuring a level playing ground and adequate support from
the government.

Also speaking, the Water, Hygiene and Sanitation, WASH, Manager, Mamita
Bora Thakkar who is barely two months old in Nigeria, promised to work
with the state government in winning the war against open defecation and water sanitation.

Others who spoke during the event were the Anambra State Acting
Programme Manager of RUWASSA, Mr. Emeka Okwuogu and the RUWASSA, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Mr Andy Nwanze, the
Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Dr Peter Egenti, among others.

In attendance were the Presidents General from some communities across the state led by the ASATU Presidents General, Chief Alex Onukwue.

The workshop which was organized by the Anambra State Government through the Ministry of Public Utilities in collaboration with the EU and UNICEF was to review and validate the achievements in the
implementation of water sanitation programme and to clearly outline
the sustainability measures for the project and the best approach to
other intervention projects.