The Chairman of Enugu North Local Government Area, Dr. Ibenaku Onoh, has flagged off a comprehensive Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) intervention across key wards within the council, aimed at accelerating efforts towards achieving an Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in line with the Enugu State Government’s 2025 target.
The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the Enugu State Water Corporation and the Enugu State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (EN-RUWASSA), targets Ogbete East (Ward 5), Ogbete West (Ward 6), New Haven (Ward 10), Independence Layout (Ward 11), and Pottery (Ward 12). The focus areas include restoring water access, repairing damaged pipelines, and closing sanitation gaps in underserved communities.
During a joint sensitisation and inspection tour of the selected wards, the Senior Special Assistant to the Chairman on WASH and Donor Relations, Mrs. Adaora Oji-Ngwu, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to improving hygiene and sanitation across the LGA. She noted that Dr. Onoh was working closely with state agencies to address residents’ concerns and ensure lasting WASH solutions, in alignment with the vision of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
Representing EN-RUWASSA, Mrs. Serah Chioma Agbo commended the LGA’s proactive steps, stressing the urgent need to eliminate open defecation, which she described as a major driver of public health crises such as cholera outbreaks. She highlighted low-cost toilet innovations like the Satopan and Sato stool, offering free installation training to residents, and urged landlords to provide functional toilets in all households.
Also speaking, Mrs. Odo Faith, Head of WASH in Enugu North LGA, warned that enforcement of sanitation standards would begin soon. She cautioned that failure to comply with basic hygiene requirements—especially the lack of toilet facilities—could attract penalties in affected areas.
On water infrastructure, Mr. Ogbu Godwin, Assistant Head of Distribution at the Enugu State Water Corporation, assured residents that extension and repair works would soon commence to improve water supply in the target communities.
Community members and ward stakeholders welcomed the initiative and commended Dr. Onoh’s administration for its proactive approach to public health and sanitation.
