PLAMWASSA STEPS UP FIGHT AGAINST OPEN DEFECATION IN LANGTANG NORTH

PLAMWASSA STEPS UP SURWASH FIGHT AGAINST OPEN DEFECATION IN LANGTANG NORTH

By Linda Dutse Yakubu Tangni

The drive to end open defecation in Langtang North Local Government Area has received a boost under the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme, with the commencement of the distribution of toilet-building materials to households across the area by the Plateau State Municipal Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (PLAMWASSA).

The intervention, flagged off by the General Manager of PLAMWASSA, Mr. Jelkyes Dakat, is aimed at helping households that have started constructing toilets but are unable to complete them due to financial constraints.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Mr. Dakat stressed that ending open defecation goes beyond building toilets, noting that access to safe and hygienic sanitation facilities is essential to protecting the health, dignity and wellbeing of families and communities.

He explained that the materials were being provided as a practical form of support to vulnerable households under the SURWASH Programme and encouraged communities to take greater ownership of sanitation and maintain a clean and healthy environment.

Mr. Dakat urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the materials and reaffirmed PLAMWASSA’s commitment to working closely with the local government and communities to ensure that Langtang North achieves Open Defecation Free (ODF) status within the targeted timeframe.

He also called on the WASH Department of Langtang North LGA to take ownership of the process, strengthen community mobilisation and sustain efforts towards ending open defecation.

Deputy Chairman of Langtang North LGA, Mrs. Deborah Dalen, expressed appreciation to the Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, and PLAMWASSA for the intervention.

Mrs. Dalen described the initiative as timely, particularly for households facing financial difficulties, and urged beneficiaries to use the materials strictly for toilet construction. She warned that any materials diverted for other purposes would be retrieved by the appropriate authorities.

The distribution is expected to improve household toilet coverage across Langtang North and help more families complete their sanitation facilities, bringing the local government closer to achieving and sustaining ODF status.

The intervention, supported through the SURWASH Programme, further demonstrates the Plateau State Government’s commitment to improving sanitation, protecting public health and ensuring that families across the state have access to safe, hygienic and dignified sanitation facilities.