By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
A coalition of civil society organizations has called on Governor Umo Eno to approve the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and Open Defecation-Free (ODF) Roadmap, aimed at promoting socio-economic development in Akwa Ibom State.
The coalition, comprising the African Human Development Center, Better Future Initiative, Akwamfon Sustainable Community Association, Garden Initiative, and NEWSAN, is supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the SCALE (Strengthening Advocacy at Local Level) project. They have highlighted that open defecation poses significant public health risks, leading to the spread of diseases and undermining efforts to improve sanitation across the state.
In a statement issued yesterday in Uyo, Project Director Prof. Gabriel Umoh emphasized that adequate sanitation is not just a health issue but a fundamental building block for economic growth, educational success, and overall social well-being.
“Approving the policy and implementing the roadmap will help eliminate open defecation, improve access to safe water, and create healthier living conditions, ultimately boosting productivity and quality of life,” the statement read.
Prof. Umoh noted that these important documents have been with the State Executive Council since the previous administration. They were once considered but required to be resubmitted for further review.
“The approval of these documents by the State Executive Council is a crucial step towards achieving these goals and ensuring that Akwa Ibom State remains on course to meet the national 2025 deadline,” the statement concluded.
