Ona Ara Local Government (LG) has partnered with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to eliminate open defecation across all its wards. This initiative is part of a broader effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which emphasizes clean water and sanitation for all.
The project, which began earlier this year, involves the construction of house-to-house toilets in various communities under the Ona Ara LG. According to the Chief Community Inspector for the LG, 9 out of the 11 wards, including Akanran, Araromi, Badeku, Badaefon, Idi Ose, Ogberegbaremu, Ogbeeretioya, Ajia, and Gbedun with the villages under these wards have already seen significant progress with new toilet facilities now available for residents.
These newly constructed toilets are part of a community-driven approach that involves the active participation of local residents, who have been educated on the importance of proper sanitation and hygiene practices. The facilities are designed to be sustainable, with provisions made for regular maintenance and management to ensure long-term usability.
The remaining wards, Olorunsogo and Oremeji, are scheduled to be included in the next phase of the project, with construction expected to begin soon. Once completed, Ona Ara LG will be among the local governments in the state to achieve the status of being open defecation-free.
This initiative is not just about building toilets; it also includes a comprehensive public health campaign. The local government, with UNICEF’s support, is conducting awareness programs in schools, markets, and community centers to educate residents on the dangers of open defecation. These efforts are complemented by the distribution of hygiene kits and the promotion of handwashing practices to further improve public health outcomes.
UNICEF’s involvement in this project underscores its commitment to improving the lives of children and families in Nigeria. By focusing on sanitation, the organization aims to reduce child mortality rates and enhance overall community well-being.
As the project progresses, both Ona Ara LG and UNICEF are optimistic that the community will soon be recognized as open defecation-free, setting a standard for other local governments in the state to follow.
Report by JEDIDAH OGIDI for Ibadancity ANNOUNCER.
