Bauchi, Nigeria, January 12, 2024: In a bid to attain the coveted Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status for the entire state, Bauchi State has unveiled a transformative initiative embracing a set of six-point revised designs for public toilets. Dr. Ibrahim Kabir, the Director General of the Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA), revealed this development in a communiqué following a stakeholders’ meeting on Friday in Bauchi.
The primary objective is to enhance access to sanitary facilities in markets and motor parks, particularly by focusing on the needs of women and girls. The designs are part of a user-centered approach to toilet infrastructure, ensuring ease and safety of use in Bauchi State.
Collaborating with WaterAid Nigeria, Bauchi State has engineered six climate-resilient toilet designs tailored to various contexts and businesses. Dr. Kabir emphasized the importance of integrating associated costs into the annual budgeting processes of all state ministries, departments, and agencies.
“All public toilet owners in the state are mandated to upgrade their existing facilities to align with the features of the newly adopted design,” Dr. Kabir announced.
The newly approved toilet designs are now the standard for all public places, accompanied by a review of the checklist for licenses, operation permits, and inspection of public toilets. The directive extends to state entities, requiring them to incorporate the costs outlined in the design and bill of quantities into their annual budgeting processes.
This move reflects Bauchi State’s commitment to not only achieving open-defecation-free status but also ensuring the sustainability and inclusivity of sanitation facilities throughout the region.
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