18th September, 2017
The Yobe Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) says it has launched a campaign on preventive measures to check the spread of cholera to the state from neighbouring Borno.
Alhaji Mohammed Bukar, the General Manager, RUWASSA, disclosed this on Monday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu.
He said the campaign was designed to sensitise residents on water safety, waste disposal and personal hygiene.
Bukar described the campaign as “proactive measures to avoid the fire brigade approach” in controlling the spread of the disease in the state.
He said that the Yobe Government in collaboration with donor partners constructed 200 toilets in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and the host communities to curb open defecation.
“The state government and donor partners had this year alone constructed 20 new water facilities and rehabilitated 200 others in returnee communities where the people have returned home.
“We have designed a time table for periodic dislodgment of the toilets and maintenance of the water facilities for effective waste disposal and water safety,” he said.
Mohammed said the state government and donor partners have also restored water supply to several communities in Gujba and Gulani local government areas to provide safe water.
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“Government with its partners, is working on the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene platform (WASH) by constructing six new water facilities and rehabilitating 12 others in other affected communities,” he said.
The general manager said the campaign also centred on the dangers of open defecation, need for proper waste disposal, proper hand washing and handling of water.
Mohammed said the state had taken delivery of water drinking facilities for public places and chlorine for use in water sources and facilities.
“We are liaising with all stakeholders to ensure that the communities are provided with safe water,” he said.
He expressed satisfaction with the community participation in the campaign especially among food vendors and in motor parks as well as in markets where toilets and water facilities have been provided.
According to the general manager, the agency is working on 2018 budgetary provision for a full-fledge and sustainable campaign on hygiene promotion to improve the health status of residents of the state.