The Enugu State Government has released ₦30 million as counterpart funding to intensify the drive towards achieving Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status in Nkanu East and Ezeagu Local Government Areas, reinforcing the state’s commitment to improving sanitation, protecting public health and promoting healthier living conditions in rural communities.
The funding complements an initial commitment of ₦117,598,610 by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to support the implementation of Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) activities in the two local government areas. The intervention is designed to eliminate open defecation through sustained community mobilisation, behavioural change and the adoption of proper household sanitation practices.
The funds will support capacity building for state and local government officers as well as community volunteers, transportation allowances for community mobilisation, follow-up visits, and the monitoring and tracking of household toilet construction to ensure that more families have access to and consistently use toilet facilities.
So far, 475 communities have been mobilised against open defecation across the two local government areas, with five communities in Nkanu East already attaining Open Defecation-Free status. More communities are expected to achieve the milestone before the end of 2026 as the state and local government authorities intensify implementation and monitoring of the programme.
The WASH Specialist at the UNICEF Enugu Field Office, Bolatito Gabriel, commended the Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Ben Collins Ndu Jnr., for facilitating the release of the state government’s counterpart funding, describing the support as an important contribution to the successful implementation of the sanitation programme.
She also expressed appreciation to Governor Peter Mbah for his commitment to improving sanitation and public health across Enugu State, while acknowledging the contributions of Mr. Christopher Ogbu and the Enugu State Small Town Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (ENSTOWA) team for their administrative and technical support towards achieving an Open Defecation-Free Enugu State.
