Cholera: FCT RUWASSA warns against open defecation

Desirous to prevent a possible outbreak of cholera, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) has warned residents against open defecation in bushes and uncompleted buildings.

The Directorate also advised against indiscriminate and random open defecation in public spaces.

The Executive Director of FCT RUWASSA, Dr Joyce Chinyere Echoke, while speaking with Blueprint on challenges associated with the current climatic condition at the weekend, cautioned that adherence to open defecation policy is not negotiable, especially now that the rainy season is in session.

She said the idea of using bushes and uncompleted buildings for defecation, besides not being healthy, was also dangerous as reptiles are harbored there because of the cold weather.

The executive director said the FCT residents should imbibe the culture of hand washing as it helps to break the chain of most pathogenic disease transmission.

Dr. Echoke said the FCT RUWASSA has embarked on sensitisation and awareness campaigns in the 62 wards across the territory.

The agency intensified its campaign against open defecation with a sensitisation exercise targeted at major motor parks across the territory.

The campaign which took place in Wuse Market, focused on promoting proper sanitation and hygiene practices among transport operators, commuters, traders, and other users of motor parks.

The agency’s Head of Community Mobilisation and Hygiene Promotion, Mallam Hussaini Abdulkadir, who led the exercise, emphasised the importance of using designated toilet facilities and urged members of the public to desist from open defecation.

He stressed that access to and proper use of toilets is critical to maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy environment.

The team also highlighted the need for strict compliance with existing sanitation laws, noting that the fight against open defecation requires not only public awareness but also adherence to established regulations.