Monrovia – Mobutu Nyenpan, Minister of Public Works and Board Chair of the Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ending open defecation in the country.
He said there is an urgent need to tackle open defecation to save lives.
Mr Nyepan said the government has been working immensely to build conducive toilet facilities in all communities.
He spoke at the commemoration of World Toilet Day held at
In 2013, the United Nations adopted the day and passed a resolution recognizing November 19 as an official UN international day.
Every year, the day is celebrated with a unique theme. This year, the theme for the day is “Leaving No One Behind” with a message that ‘a toilet is not just a toilet. It’s a life-saver, dignity-protector and opportunity-maker. Whoever you are, wherever you are, sanitation is your human right.”
According to the United Nations, today, around the globe, 4.2 billion people live without safely managed sanitation. With the target to give access to safe sanitation and leaving no one behind, this year’s World Toilet Day will be celebrated across the globe.
The program was supported by Oxfam in Liberia, UNICEF, National Public Health Institute (NPHIL), WaterAid and Concern World Wide, among others.
Johnathan Kaipay, Senate Chair on WASH said its time that officials of government develop political will to increase budgetary support to end open defecation.
Vivian Mussah, Program Manager of Future Leader Toilet Solution, a Liberian owned institution, recommended the usage of bio filtration toilet system.
She said the institution is working with schools and government to tackle open defecation by using the system.
Mohammed Massaley, WASH program head of Oxfam – Liberia reaffirmed the organization’s commitments to supporting the WASH commission in ending open defecation.
Also speaking, Bobby Whitfield, head of the National WASH commission announced a campaign to end open defecation is on the way.
He stressed for more budgetary and donor support to the sector.