From JIDAUNA DARING, Langtang North

PLATEAU State Municipal Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (PLAMWASSA) has flagged off a 3-day training for volunteer hygiene promoters in Bokkos, Wase and Langtang North Local Government Areas (LGAs).

The Plateau State Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Noel Nkup, who was represented by Timothy Gayi, while flagging off the training in Langtang North LGA, stressed the need for affirmative action that would change the state’s current status on Open Defecation (OD).

Nkup said that the ministry and the agencies responsible for fighting against OD would continue doing everything possible to ensure that the state becomes Open Defecation Free (ODF).

The commissioner also commended the volunteers for their commitment which would help in bringing about behavioral change in the various volunteer communities.

Sustainable Urban, Rural Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, SURWASH, project coordinator Plateau State, Engr. Jonathan Malan, who was represented by the Sanitation Officer, PEPSA, Tessy Gyang, described the intervention of the World Bank in addressing the issues of water and sanitation as a welcome development to the state.

Malam emphasized the need for the state to adopt global best practices so as to sustain the projects.

General Manager, PLAMWSSA, Engr. Julius Akawa, underscored the significance of the training in combating OD and revealed that Plateau State was ranking second in the North Central with Kogi State as the first in the country.

Akawu urged participants to use the opportunity to become ambassadors of behavioral change in water management and hygiene practice.

Director Sanitation, Kangyang Timothy, outlined the training objectives to include influencing behavioral change among community members for a healthier and more active society.

Our correspondent reports that the technical presentations covered various projects-specific areas, providing participants with comprehensive insights and skills.