Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang said his administration has taken a firm stand against open defecation, saying, “I can’t stand the health implications of open defecation in my state.”
He promised that the state would do all it takes by providing clean and potable water supply and sanitation facilities.
Speaking on the occasion of the commemoration of the 2025 World Water Day with the theme, “Glacier Preservation”, in Jos on Friday, put together in partnership with Nelmaco Industries Limited, the governor said that not only does the practice of open defecation poses serious health risks but also contaminates the state’s water sources.
The governor, represented by the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Nicholas Bamlong, said that more than ever before, the state is committed to protecting the environment which is under threat due to climate change.
He said, “Here in Plateau State, we recognise the significance of protecting our environment and natural resources. We will continue to work towards reducing our carbon footprints and promoting sustainable practices.
“Another critical issue we must address is open defecation. It’s unacceptable that in this day and age, many of our citizens still lack access to proper sanitation facilities, hence our ranking as the second state in the practice of open defecation.
“To combat this as a government, we have vowed to change the narrative by intensifying our efforts towards creating an enabling environment to provide clean water and sanitation facilities to all citizens…
“Some of our strategies will include: Sustained Improving Water Supply: We have taken immediate steps to introduce the renewable energy to power the facilities of Plateau State Water Supply Agencies for sustainable access to water supply across the State and promoting sanitation and hygiene practices in collaboration with World bank Sustainable Urban Rural water supply and sanitation and hygiene under the SURWARH programme in rural small town and urban areas of Plateau State and supporting the construction of toilets and sanitation facilities within those jurisdictions.
Chairman, Nelmaco Industries Limited, Dr. Nelson Uba Mkparu, pledged the cooperation of his organisation readiness to live up to the United Nations Standard by ensuring that Plateau State continues to have access to clean water.
A highlight of the occasion was the signing of commitment by representatives of the 17 local government areas to end open defecation in their different localities.