FCT declares state of emergency on water, sanitation

• …Says about 40% of residents defecate openly

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has declared a state of emergency on water and sanitation as part of measures to end open defecation by 2025 in the territory.

The Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, who made the declaration yesterday, also said relevant statistics had shown that 39.4 per cent of the FCT populace practices open defecation.

 The minister said with the declaration, the FCTA has officially stepped into the national push to end open defecation, accelerate access to safe water and hygiene practices for all residents of the territory.

 She further said the open defecation statistics released by the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) regarding the FCT was alarming and unacceptable owing to the dangers such practice posed to the residents.

While calling on the six area council chairmen to sign and demonstrate their commitment to end open defecation, the minister said the FCTA would work to end it by 2023 ahead of the 2025 national target. 

The Ona of Abaji and Chairmen of FCT Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Baba Yunusa, said for the target to be met, relevant authorities must provide water at strategic places and rural communities.

 Earlier, the acting Director, Rural Water Supply Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Dr M.A Dan-Hassan, said all hands must be on deck for residents’ right to water and sanitation to be met.