Ekiti Water Company Holds Stakeholders’ Workshop on Ending Open Defecation

The Ekiti State Water and Sewerage Company Limited has organised a stakeholders’ engagement workshop aimed at promoting sustainable hygiene practices and strengthening governance toward ending open defecation across the state.

The workshop, held at the Conference Hall of Ekiti Water House, Irasa-Iworoko Road, Ado-Ekiti, brought together key stakeholders in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector, including government officials, development partners, community leaders and relevant organisations committed to improving public health and environmental sanitation.

Participants representing various communities were encouraged to take the “One House, One Toilet” campaign to the grassroots by sensitising residents on the importance of proper sanitation and hygiene.

Speaking at the event, the General Manager of Ekiti State Water Supply and Sewerage Company, Mr Wole Afolabi, who was represented by Engr. Matthew Alabi, stressed the importance of collective responsibility in achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status across communities in the state.

Alabi said access to proper sanitation facilities, safe water supply and sustained public sensitisation on the “One House, One Toilet” initiative remained critical to combating open defecation and promoting healthier communities.

Also speaking, the Head of Sanitation and facilitator from EK-STRUWASSA, Mrs Lanre Ayeni, underscored the need for active community participation and sustainable hygiene practices to ensure lasting behavioural change among residents.

During the interactive session coordinated by Ayeni, participants identified poverty, negligence, lack of awareness, old building structures without space for toilet facilities and rocky terrains that make septic tank construction difficult as major factors contributing to open defecation in affected communities.

Ayeni further stressed the need for continuous enlightenment campaigns to educate residents on the importance of prioritising toilet construction in homes.

Stakeholders from Ilokun and Irasa communities were urged to intensify advocacy efforts and support policies and initiatives promoting sanitation and environmental cleanliness.

In his presentation, Engr. Olajide Olatiilu explained various toilet designs and specifications suitable for different income levels and environmental conditions.

He encouraged residents to adopt affordable toilet facilities within their means, noting that the availability of toilets in homes was essential to preventing environment-related diseases and improving public health.

Participants at the workshop reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating with the state government and relevant agencies to advance improved sanitation, public health and sustainable development in Ekiti.

One of the participants from Ilokun Community, Mr Ihiovi Jimoh, expressed appreciation to the organisers and assured them of positive behavioural change within the community.

He, however, appealed to the company to support further advocacy and sensitisation visits to the area.

The Ekiti State Water and Sewerage Company Limited reiterated its commitment to providing safe water services and promoting hygienic practices in line with its mission of safeguarding the health and well-being of residents.

“Safe Water Saves Lives,” the company stated.