Gombe targets end to open defecation across state
GOMBE, Nigeria — The Gombe State Government is intensifying its efforts to eliminate open defecation in the region. Nasiru Adamu Degri, the state Commissioner for Water Resources, has directed the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) to ensure that all local government areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) achieve Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status.
Degri issued this directive on Thursday during a familiarization meeting with RUWASSA’s management, which included discussions of various projects and programs under the Ministry of Water Resources. He highlighted the recent ODF certifications of the Dukku, Shongom, and Nafada LGAs as notable milestones in the state’s ongoing efforts to enhance sanitation and public health.
“The certification of Dukku, Shongom, and Nafada LGAs as Open Defecation-Free is a significant achievement that will strengthen the state government’s drive toward improved sanitation and public health,” Degri said. He encouraged RUWASSA to continue its momentum and work towards extending ODF certification to all remaining local councils and development areas in Gombe.
In his remarks, Degri also pledged his commitment to fostering collaboration and effective partnerships, emphasizing the necessity of transparency, integrity, and proper documentation in the implementation of government initiatives.
Earlier in the meeting, Muhammad Gibraimu Ahmed, RUWASSA’s General Manager and Project Coordinator, congratulated Degri on his appointment and assured the agency’s full cooperation in achieving the objectives set by the Ministry of Water Resources. He elaborated on RUWASSA’s mandate, which encompasses rural water supply, sanitation, and hygiene promotion, and noted that the agency is actively implementing several interventions to address these issues.
