The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has said it will partner the six area councils and other agencies of government to address challenges of water supply, sanitation, and hygiene in rural areas.
The Minister of State for FCT, Hajiya Ramatu Aliyu stated this during an inspection tour of facilities in Gwagwalada Area Council on Tuesday.
She said the provision of potable water, adequate sanitation, and hygiene are primarily the responsibilities of states and local governments.
According to her, if the respective authorities fail to tackle this issue, the target to end open defecation in the nation’s capital by 2025 may be unrealistic.
The minister, however, commended the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) for the construction of two blocks of VIP toilet at Tungan Maje Secondary School.
She described as worrisome the assessment by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in collaboration with UNICEF, that 50 percent of Abuja residents defecate in open spaces.
The minister declared that the rating is unacceptable, assuring that the FCT administration is determined to change the narrative. Daily Trust
