LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT
MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER RESOURCES
BLOCK 16
The Secretariat, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
PRESS RELEASE
LASG CALLS FOR CONTINOUS HEALTHY SANITATION PRACTICES.
…….Constructs 345 toilets, registered 615 private toilet operators
The Lagos State Government on Friday called on residents to promote healthy sanitation practices as the State continues to implement initiatives on improvements and increase the stock of available toilets.
Addressing participants at the 2021 World Toilet Day celebration in Alausa, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, maintained that Lagos State is setting the pace for others to emulate, saying that State has constructed 345 public toilets in strategic locations across the State, while 615 private owned toilets operators have also been registered saying these were the result of a resilient strategy developed as a documented commitment to improve the quality of life of Lagos residents.
“The initiative mentioned above provides for design and construction of pubic toilets in vulnerable communities of each Local Government and Local Council Development Areas whilst also creating an enabling environment for private sector participation under a fee-paying management system” he emphasized.
The Commissioner represented by the Special Adviser on Drainage and Water Resources, Engr. Joe Igbokwe added that the celebration brings to the front burner, issues to draw attention and seek for inclusive response in tackling sanitation challenges and the menace of open defecation in the country.
Highlighting the theme for this year: “Valuing Toilet” the Commissioner said all stakeholders must priotize sanitation and hygiene as these act represents the cheapest and easiest method of combating the spread of diseases and control other environmental crises.
” It is important to note that Nigeria presently occupies the topmost level in the ladder of open defecation and that each State of the country is expected to domesticate the Federal Government declaration toward achieving Open Defecation Free Status by 2025″ he said.
Earlier at the event, Permanent Secretary Office of Environmental Services, Mrs. Belinda Odeneye said that the State Government has taken the lead role in public awareness and education campaigns on Hand washing, Sanitation and Hygienic standards as well as tackling the menace of open defecation.
She added that the State in collaboration with her partners has empowered a broad range of stakeholders and promote environmental friendly approach to addressing the open defecation challenge.
The Permanent Secretary represented by Director, Ecology and Conservation, Mr. Sheriff Savage noted that the State officially flagged off the CLEAN NIGERIA: USE THE TOILET CAMPAIGN and inaugurated an ANTI OPEN DEFECATION SQUAD last year.
She explained that this is to instill in the Citizens behavioural change towards the use of toilets and maintaining safe sanitation, saying that the campaign was launched with an action plan to domesticate the campaign in each of the 20 LG and 37 LCDAs.
Odeneye however assured that as a responsive Government with a plan for Innovation, Inclusiveness and Efficiency, the State will not relax on its plans and strategies to promote sanitation and hygiene.
Senior Brand Manager, Hygiene West Africa, Chioma Sylva-Ifedigbo said the theme for 2021 aimed at drawing attention to the fact that toilets, and the sanitation system that support them are underfunded, poorly managed or neglected in many parts of the world.
Commending the leadership of the State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources for its leadership in its effort to end open defecation within the State, adding that through the Harpic Brand, Nigerians have access to hygienic toilets and the firm has been effectively communicating and educating people on the importance of toilet hygiene and sanitation, to drive behavioural change.
Signed
kunle Adeshina
Director Public Affairs
Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources
20th November, 2021