…Seeks Provision of Toilet, Water to Counter Cholera Outbreak
By Udesinanna Stephen
The Inclusive Forum for Accountability Society (IFAS), saddled with the responsibility of ensuring public service effectiveness, has called on the state government to step-up their supervision of school projects, especially with contractors, for effective service delivery.
The Forum noted that collaboration with civil society will reduce infrastructure deficiency in school areas, considering that civil societies have direct contact with community members.
This was reached at the IFAS quarterly meeting held at the Environmental Development and Family Health Organization (EDFHO) office, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.
The Executive Director, Environmental Development and Family Health Organization, EDFHO, Sir Olu Ogunrotimi, called on the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to facilitate perimeter fencing of primary school in Ijaro Ekiti, ilejemeje Local government area and other schools for security purpose and provisional of toilets and water facilities in all schools to counter cholera outbreak.
Emphasizing the provision these facilities in schools and the communities, the Director said, “The government should empower the Civil societies and members of the various communities for proper monitoring of contractors for quality works delivery. We work in these communities and have direct contact with them.”
The meeting, chaired by the Executive Director of Society for Women and AIDS in Africa Nigeria (SWAAN), Dr. Mary Ebunoluwa Adeyenyu, cautioned residents to take hygiene seriously in response to the spread of cholera and other diseases.
She said, “Cholera, as we know, is a diarrhea disease, a deadly bacterial disease, but if reported early, it can be treated. It is contracted from drinking contaminated water and other drinks or contaminated food; it thrives where there is poor hygiene; toilet and water supply are needed to sustain better hygiene.
“I do not recommend well water and not all boreholes are safe; fruits and vegetables can easily be contaminated. Therefore, cooking is important to kill germs and bacteria. It is better to cook your food and eat it hot.” She added.
She also commended the government and the civil societies for their proactiveness on cholera news via sensitization and the readiness of medical teams.