The rural population in Cross River State is facing a significant sanitation challenge, with 40 per cent still practicing open defecation.
The permanent secretary, Ministry of Water Resources in Cross River State, Dr Okon Ita, who stated this at the official unveiling of the Cross River State Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) policy in Calabar, said, “Open defecation is a vice which should be kicked against by right thinking individuals.”
According to Dr Ita, the alarming statistic underscores the need for urgent attention and action to address the issue.
“Open defecation is a major public health risk, and it’s a concern that many communities in our state are still struggling with this issue,” Dr Ita emphasised.
The Cross River State Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr Bassey Mensah, who represented the state governor, stated that lack of access to proper sanitation facilities is a major contributor to the spread of diseases like cholera, diarrhea and typhoid in rural areas of the state.
“We’re working hard to improve sanitation coverage in rural areas, despite the fact that it’s a tough challenge,” Mr Mensah said.
“We need the people’s support so that we can reach most vulnerable communities to provide them with the facilities they need.
“This administration has identified local government areas in the state where open defecation is most prevalent and is prioritising these areas for sanitation interventions. Sanitation is a critical issue that requires collective action,” Mensah stated.
The country director, Self Help Africa (SHA), Dr Joy Adelere, commended the state government for launching the WASH policy, saying it marks a significant milestone.
“This policy is an inclusive and forward-looking framework that aligns with national and international standards,” she said.
The launch of the WASH policy is seen as a crucial step towards improving sanitation coverage in Cross River State and reducing the prevalence of open defecation.
