.....As 56% of state population practices OD-UNICEF


Accelerating adoption of climate-resilient fecal sludge management (FSM) in Plateau to address the menace of open defecation free (ODF) is not only timely but also serves as a means of improving public health, livelihood,and socio-economic condition of the people in the state.

Experts revealed FSM refers to the comprehensive process of safely handling faecal sludge—the waste that accumulates in on-site sanitation systems such as pit latrines, septic tanks, and container-based toilets. 

Further more, FSM encompasses the entire service chain, including collection, transportation, treatment, and the final disposal or reuse of the sludge. This management is crucial, especially in areas without centralized sewer systems, to protect public health and the environment.

Based on the United Nation International Children's Education Fund (UNICEF), 2022 reports said Plateau is second state in Nigeria with 56% of its population still practicing open defecation.

Worried by this impediment, Plateau Rural water supply and sanitation agency (PRUWASSA) in conjunction with UNICEF, held a one-day dialogue on achieving ODF status through FSM.

The interface was aimed to strengthen advocacy and stir a public discuss on the need for a safe and hygienic faecal sludge management strategy in Plateau, and it linkage to attaining an ODF in the state.

Keynote speaker, Professor Ponchang Wuyep, coordinator water sanitation hygiene (WASH) Institute University of Jos, identified three important components of FSM which includes; public health protection, environmental conservation, and resource recovery.

According to Professor Wuyep,
"If we fail to properly manage faecal sludge, we risk serious health consequences. People will be overwhelmed by parasites and pathogens. Given the current economic hardship, it’s better to focus on staying healthy through prevention than spending money on treatments and medications.

"Effective management of faecal waste is essential for both public health and environmental protection. We grow plants, and plants need a healthy environment—soil health is very important. Mismanagement of waste negatively affects soil fertility.

On linkage between FSM and ODF, He stated that policy regulations which has to do with implementing guidelines and standard to govern FSM practices and ensure compliance as well as regular emptying servicing, Safe transportation, treatment facilities community engagement is very key.

"There’s a whole value chain in faecal sludge management. And if we focus on building sustainable business models around it, we can boost the economy and create numerous jobs", he added.

Engr. David Jaafaru Wuyep, former commissioner ministry of water resources and energy, acknowledged there are a lot exiting opportunities on FSM as it offers a compelling avenue across the sanitation value chain, hence the need to intensify a robust public private partnership (PPP) to enhance economic growth.

General Manager, PRUWASSA, Engr. Godfrey Nuhu Dashubar confirmed the state is getting ready for proper sludge management even before the official declaration.

"We are working tirelessly to change the narrative in Plateau. We had made significant progress when UNICEF was with us, but along the way, things changed. The targeted local governments then were Riyom and Shendam. However, when that collaboration ended, there was a gap.

"When I came in, I used the opportunity to revisit Bauchi, engaged with them, and requested their cooperation again. That’s what has brought us here today. RUWASSA, as I mentioned earlier, is the agency driving this initiative. We are working with all relevant stakeholders—the local government, the state government, and you, the media."

Chief of Field office Bauchi, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, represented by WASH officer UNICEF field office Bauchi, Nanbam Dawap while laying emphasis on adoption strategies, tasked stakeholders both public and private sector on genuine and effective FSM.

She also reaffirms UNICEF Bauchi field office unwavering commitment and determination towards addressing impacts of flooding, water scarcity, and disease outbreak especially among women and children in communities under its jurisdiction.