Abel Orih Idoma
26 August 2008
Makurdi — Benue States is expected to get 29,716 out of the one million latrines to be provided in the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Nigeria by the Federal Government and the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF).
The latrines, according to reports, are to be provided between now and 2015 for improved health of the people, as provided for in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
In Benue State, each of the 23 Local Councils are to get 1,292 latrines for the convenience of the people, with the hope that the number will increase with time.
The General Manager, Benue State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (BENWASSA) Engr. Okuma Adanyi, disclosed this during the sensitisation and mobilisation of communities in Makurdi, Guma and Otukpo Local Government Areas of the State on community-led total sanitation.
Adanyi, who was represented by Mrs. Helen Agbede, charged water, sanitation and hygiene coordinators in the LGAs to educate members of the various communities to stop open defecation, and the need to always wash hands with soap or ash after defecation.
Seven communities were mobilised in Guma with Anwan, Hausawa and Kanshio communities forming action plans, while in Otukpo local government, Otukpo-Icho, Akpa, Ugboju and Adoka form action plans on water sanitation and hygiene.
In Makurdi, six communities were mobilised with Antiye, Fidi, Agan and Angwan Hausawa forming their baselines on hygiene practices, to provide the people with good health and subsequent long life.
Also officers of the Benue Urban Development Board (BUDB), Makurdi, have demolished two illegal structures being developed on public parks in Otukpo township.
The structures include Aleji Filling Station located on the park near the Library Board office, Otukpo and a car dealers garage opposite Otukpo Micro-finance Bank.
The demolition exercise, which lasted for hours, was watched by many people with keen interest while stern-looking policemen ensured adequate security.
In his comment, the leader of the demolition team, Mr. Samuel Omale, advised land developers to follow due process while in his reaction, the Otukpo council Chairman, Dr. Innocent Onuh, described the exercise as worthwhile and advised people to obey the law.
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