Katsina, UNICEF to tackle open defecation

Katsina State government and UNICEF have expressed concern over increasing rate of open defecation across the state in view of its health implication.
Speaking at a meeting between the two organs held at the government house, Governor Aminu Masari said it was worrisome and unhealthy for people to resort to such habit giving the health hazards associated with such practices.
He said government would look into the possibility of making public toilets more viable, adding that privately owned public toilets last while those constructed by government were allowed to fold up.
The governor however, noted that greater change in attitude with regards to safe health practices were needed to address challenges in the health and education sector.
The state’s UNICEF field officer, Padmavathi Yedla, said the fund’s Sanitation, Hygiene and Water in Nigeria (SHAWN) project was targeted amongst others to encourage safe excreta disposals, which had helped tremendously.