Plateau Sets Goal to End Open Defecation by 2027

The Plateau State Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) initiative has reaffirmed its pledge to make the state open defecation-free (ODF) by 2027, addressing a pressing health challenge.

Speaking during an interactive session in Jos on Tuesday, the SURWASH Program Coordinator, Jonathan Malann, described the initiative as a crucial step in improving the state’s water and sanitation status.

“Today’s session allows us to showcase our progress, highlight achievements, and outline the results we aim to present to the World Bank,” he remarked.

Malann disclosed that more than 56% of the state’s population still practices open defecation, a statistic he termed alarming.

“This places Plateau second highest in the North Central region for open defecation. Addressing this challenge is paramount to our goals, particularly under Disbursement Linked Indicator 6. By 2027, Plateau should no longer grapple with this issue,” he stated, adding that initiatives are in motion to declare at least two local governments ODF.

The program’s success hinges on independent verification of its results, which will dictate funding disbursements from the World Bank.

According to Malann, “The media is a critical partner in showcasing the results we’ve achieved. The outcomes we present are what unlock funding for the state.”

Declaring the session open, Plateau Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Bashir Datti, represented by Steven Gyang, assured stakeholders of the government’s dedication. “The government is fully committed to this cause, and I am confident that today’s deliberations will redefine our approach to sanitation,” he emphasized.

NUJ Plateau Chairperson, Ayuku Pwaspo, praised the initiative but urged faster implementation.

“It’s frustrating that Plateau is still struggling with these issues despite our enlightenment. Policies must translate into action to improve sanitation,” she said.

Theresa Gyang, the Sensitization and Hygiene Officer, stressed the importance of community involvement.

“By engaging communities in planning and sensitization, we can ensure facilities are protected and effectively used,” she noted.

Stakeholders also discussed strategies such as community-led total sanitation and gender-inclusive implementation plans.

Participants, including journalists and CSOs, committed to promoting public awareness and collaboration for sustainable success.