Stakeholders on Monday urged the Borno government to declare a state of emergency on open defecation.

This declaration is contained in an 11-point communique at a multi-stakeholder dialogue on Water, Sanitation and Health (WASH).

The meeting was organised by WaterAid and Mercy Corps, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for Small Town Water Sanitation and Health (ST WASH) projects in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.

The communique stated that the declaration was in line with the National Action Plan on open defecation and the state 25-year Development Plan.

The stakeholders stressed the need for the ST WASH project to support the state in producing the road map for ending open defecation.

The communique called for the passage of a water policy and for CSOs to push for this process.

“The mass media should also take the lead by following up on the issue of the Policy and asking key stakeholders questions.

“Community and religious leaders should be engaged to mobilize their people to protect water facilities in their communities and support water reforms. Advocacy visits will be useful here.

“The ST WASH project should support the Borno State Government to produce a comprehensive ODF Roadmap.

“Upon the passage of the policy the relevant laws should be passed to ensure the effectiveness of the sectors. ST WASH project should be expanded to other areas in the state with such need.

“Henceforth, construction of sanitation facilities should be inclusive and sensitive to issues of gender and disability.

“Once the Water Policy is passed, the government, through the ministry and other stakeholders, should ensure effective regulation of the water sector.

“Capacity building on WASH for CSOs, community members and other stakeholders should be intensified.

“Communities should be empowered to take up their responsibilities,” the communique added.

The ST WASH programme is a five-year initiative funded by USAID and implemented by Mercy Corps and Water Aid in Adamawa, Yobe and Borno.

The aim is to facilitate increased access to WASH facilities, strengthen WASH governance and promote economic recovery and peace in the North-East region.