The campaign to end open defecation in Enugu State has gathered strong momentum, with Udenu Local Government Area standing out as a model of proactive leadership. This initiative, championed by UNICEF in collaboration with the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) program, seeks to eradicate open defecation across the state by encouraging households to build hygienic toilets.
Mr. Kelechi Obetta, SA on Tourism, Udenu LGA
At the forefront of this movement in Udenu is the Local Government Chairman, Aka Eze Aka, who has taken decisive steps to ensure that no family is left behind. Recognizing that cost often poses a barrier to the construction of hygienic toilets, Aka Eze Aka leveraged the state government’s provision of a cheaper and reliable Satopan Water Easy product and went further to subsidize the price for residents. This bold decision has not only reduced the financial burden on households but has also created a strong sense of urgency and ownership among the people of Udenu.
The Enugu State Government has set a deadline for every household in the state to construct a functional toilet. In Udenu, this directive has been met with rigorous sensitization campaigns led by the chairman and his team. Community engagements, town hall meetings, and public enlightenment drives have been used to stress the health, social, and environmental dangers of open defecation.
Aka Eze Aka
Once the deadline passes, a taskforce team will swing into action, ensuring full compliance through enforcement. This underscores the seriousness of the campaign and the government’s resolve to safeguard public health.
Open defecation is more than a matter of inconvenience; it is a public health emergency. When human waste is left in open spaces, it contaminates water sources, spreads deadly diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea. The practice also strips communities of dignity and undermines environmental cleanliness.
For Udenu, Aka Eze Aka has consistently emphasized that building hygienic toilets is not merely about meeting government requirements but about protecting families, preserving the environment, and ensuring a healthier future for generations.
By subsidizing the product, he has shown foresight and empathy, ensuring that even low-income households can participate in the fight against open defecation. His approach sets Udenu on the path to becoming one of the first local governments in Enugu State to achieve open defecation-free (ODF) status.
Open defecation requires collective responsibility. While government and development partners provide the framework and support, it is ultimately up to households and communities to embrace the change. By constructing and using hygienic toilets, every family plays a role in safeguarding public health and enhancing community wellbeing.
Kelycool Kelechi writes from Azuebo Ozalla Ezimo.
