Upper East to end open defecation by 2014

Mr Mark Woyongo, outgoing Upper East Regional Minister, has said the Regional authorities would ensure that estate developers present their building plans with provisions for toilet facilities.

The practice has often been that developers present these documents alright but refuse to construct toilet facilities in them denying tenants the right to such facilities.

The move is therefore to enable the region achieve open Defecation free by the year 2014.

Tenants’ grievances regarding the provision of toilet facilities by landlords would be given every necessary push by the Department of Rent Control and other law enforcement agencies including those of the District and Municipal Assemblies.

Open defecation or otherwise called free range is rampant in the region and has various health implications that invariably affect the people.

Mr Woyongo said the situation would be given the highest government backing in order to achieve this target.

The outgoing Regional Minister said this when he donated 27 motorbikes on behalf of the Local Government Ministry to the Upper East Regional offices of the Environmental Health and Sanitation in Bolgatanga for onward distribution to five districts in the region.

He said the motorbikes were to help officers to be in constant touch with communities to sensitize them on environmental issues.

Builsa North would receive four, two for Builsa south, Kassena- Nanaka four, Bongo district five, and Garu four. The others are Binduri District two, Bawku Municipal three and Pusiga district two.

Mr Mark Woyongo, said the bikes would help staff of environmental health to be in constant touch with the communities and ensure the promotion of good sanitation in these communities.

He appealed to the beneficiary officers to place premium on the work they were going to use the bikes for over their personal benefits.

Mr Cletus Asamani, Regional Director, Environmental Health and Sanitation, said out of 126 communities, targeted 124 achieved 90 per cent target.

He said the Builsa District was also adjudged in 2012 as one of the best in Open Defecation Free. He said 160 communities have been targeted for 2013, and urged the rest of the districts to work hard to achieve result.

He also thanked government for the motor bikes and prayed for the continuous support of UNICEF that has partnered his outfit over the years in the programme.