NAN-AE-8
Defecation
Makurdi, Aug. 11, 2017 (NAN) The Benue Government on Friday signified its intention to collaborate with a UK-based development organisation, United Purpose, in efforts to end open defecation in the state.
The Commissioner for Water Resources and Environment, Mr Joseph Utsev, conveyed the government’s intention in Makurdi when the executives of the organisation paid him a courtesy call.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that United Purpose, previously known as Concern Universal, once partnered with the state government to eradicate open defecation in some local governments.
Utsev said that the Benue State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (BERWASA), a parastatal agency of his ministry, would do everything possible to aid the partnership to end open defecation.
He also said that Gov. Samuel Ortom was determined to pay the counterpart funds for the project which was aimed at promoting the development of the state.
He urged the people to assist the government and development organisations in fighting open defecation and promoting sanitation and hygiene.
Speaking, Mr Nanpet Chuktu, the Programme Manager of United Purpose, said that his organisation would also collaborate with two organisations, Centre for Development and Social Justice and Toilet Pride, to celebrate this year’s World Youth Day.
He said that that United Purpose was also partnering with the organisations to amplify the voice of youths in sanitation and hygiene programmes via a series of activities in the state.
Chuktu said that United Purpose would work for the end of open defecation in the state and improve sanitation through the Rural Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion in Nigeria (RUSHPIN) programme.
He said that the programme was being executed in some villages like Aliade and Ugba, among others.
“But on this particular visit, we are visiting Ikpayongo in Gwer West Local Government Area, where youths are supporting households and communities to end open defecation, while improving sanitation and hygiene.
“The bottom-line is to get everyone to know more about sanitation and hygiene.
“We are organising this as part of the RUSHPIN programme, and it is jointly funded by Benue and Cross River state governments, the Federal Government and the Global Sanitation Fund of the United Nations,’’ he added. (NAN)
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