UNICEF, Zamfara agency train sanitary officers
The Zamfara State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWATSAN), in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has trained traditional pit evacuators in Gusau, the state capital, in
The Zamfara State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWATSAN), in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has trained traditional pit evacuators in Gusau, the state capital, in a three-day programme aimed at ending open defecation and improving sanitation services across the state.
The training, supported by UNICEF, focused on strengthening faecal sludge management services in local government areas. It also aimed to build the capacity of traditional pit emptiers and evacuators in the catchment LGAs through improved technical skills, occupational safety, and business development.
The programme brings together key stakeholders across the sanitation value chain to support climate-resilient and safely managed sanitation, to improve safe sanitation practices and address challenges linked to pit emptying in the state.
In his remarks, RUWATSAN Program Manager Dr Abubakar Nasiru Galadima gave an overview of faecal sludge management practices, highlighting the risks and challenges associated with unsafe pit emptying.
“This training focuses on occupational safety, health and the dignity of sanitation workers, as well as gender and social inclusion in faecal sludge management services”.
“Hygiene promotion is key to ensuring safety in pit emptying operations”.
He urged participants to take full advantage of the training, noting that it offers opportunities to build skills and explore small and medium-scale business ventures in the sanitation sector.
Also speaking, UNICEF Chief of Field Office Sokoto, Dr Michael Juma, encouraged trainees to make the most of the programme to improve service delivery in their communities.
The initiative is part of efforts by the Zamfara State Government to end open defecation and raise sanitation standards across the state.
