Kwara State government on Tuesday flagged off the construction of prototype public lavatories in the Alanamu community, Ilorin West Local Government Area.

The state Commissioner for Water Resources, Usman Lade, said the facility was to provide comfort and promote hygienic practices in public places.

The commissioner, while speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony held at the Forecourt of the Palace of Balogun Alanamu Ilorin, said the effort was to stop open defecation and improve sanitation among the citizens.

He said the toilet project will be built in public places such as markets, motor parks and schools to maximise public health safety.

Mr Lade also disclosed that other neighbourhoods the government designated for model toilets in the metropolis include Ajikobi, Eruda communities and other parts of the state.

He said the Alanamu’s public lavatory was fortified with a solar-powered water system that would serve the community day and night.

The commissioner explained that it was to reduce the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid and hepatitis.

“The facility comprises 10 toilet systems, eight shower units for both men and women with additional facilities like ablution area for Muslim and mobile charging booth for commercial use that will guarantee a steady income for proper maintenance,” the commissioner said.

M Lade assured the people of Alanamu and its environs that the project would be completed promptly and according to the specifications.

He implored the people to take possession of the facility and ensure it was properly supervised against possible abuse.

The Balogun Alanamu Ilorin, Abubakar Usman-Jos, in his remarks, expressed delight over the project and thanked Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for fulfilling his promise to improve the living standards of the people.

(NAN)