By Azuka Offor
The Managing Director of the Anambra State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (ANARUWASSA), Mr. Tochukwu Nwosu, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to achieving open defecation-free status by 2027.
Mr. Nwosu made this known during an advocacy visit to the chairmen of the 21 local government areas of Anambra State to strengthen collaboration on the delivery of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services. He explained that the initiative aligns with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation’s national drive to make Nigeria open defecation-free by 2030, as well as with Anambra State Government’s vision of building a model, liveable, and prosperous smart megacity — a true homeland where Ndi Anambra can live, work, invest, learn, relax, and thrive.
According to the ANARUWASSA boss, the attainment of an open defecation-free status requires the collective effort of all stakeholders. He noted that the advocacy visit was intended to engage local governments to join hands in the campaign, sensitize communities on the dangers of open defecation, and promote synergy between the state and LGAs.
“Open defecation pollutes the environment and contributes to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea. Local government support is critical to strengthening the WASH units and ensuring success, especially through grassroots sensitization,” Mr. Nwosu emphasized.
He highlighted that Anambra has so far recorded success in three LGAs — Aguata, Anambra East, and Nnewi North — which have achieved open defecation-free status.
Mr. Nwosu commended the state government for its sustained efforts in expanding access to clean and potable water across communities, and urged LGA chairmen to work closely with the government to ensure that public spaces, including markets, schools, parks, churches, and households, are equipped with modern toilet facilities to promote healthy living.
On her part, the Chairperson of Idemili South Local Government Area, Chief Mrs. Amaka Obi, expressed gratitude to UNICEF for providing water facilities in the area, which she said greatly alleviated their water challenges, although she acknowledged that poor maintenance hampered the facility’s long-term impact. She pledged the LGA’s full support towards achieving an open defecation-free Anambra.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Dunukofia LGA, Barr. C.C. Ozumba, assured that his administration was ready to partner with the state government and committed to providing 50 percent support to ensure the goal is met.
Similarly, the Mayor of Orumba North, Hon. Barr. Casmir Chinonso Nwafor, announced that he had provided a laptop and financial assistance to the WASH unit in his council area to enable them to function more effectively and efficiently.
Other LGAs that pledged their readiness to support the state’s open defecation-free drive include Idemili North, Ogbaru, Anambra West, Ihiala, Ekwusigo, among others.
The meeting served as a rallying call for all stakeholders to intensify efforts in building a cleaner, healthier Anambra, where safe sanitation becomes a shared reality.
