Kwara State has flagged off the construction of prototype public lavatories in Alanamu community, Ilorin West local government of the state.

This is part of its efforts to stop open defecation and improve sanitation among the citizens.

The project as conceived by the administration to maximise public health safety, is to be built in public places such as Market, Motor Parks and Schools.

Other neighbourhoods that the government designated for model toilets in the metropolis include Ajikobi and Eruda communities, and some other parts of the state.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Ilorin, the state capital, Commissioner for Water Resources, Usman Yunusa-Lade said the facility is designed to provide comfort and promote hygienic practice in public places.

He said “the Alanamu's public lavatory is fortified with a solar-powered water system that will serve the community day and night, adding this is aimed at reducing the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid and hepatitis A, among others.

“This important initiative is designed to put a stop to open defecation in our society, and to improve the standard of living of the common man. As we know, open defecation is a major public health concern in many communities within Nigeria which the state government is striving hard to control,” Yunusa-Lade said.

He said; “This construction of public lavatories project will provide access to clean and safe toilet facilities within the public places such as Market square, Motor Parks, Schools etc. The idea will help to reduce the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid and hepatitis A among others.”

The facility comprises 10 toilet systems and 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 steady income for proper maintenance, the Commissioner said.

Lade assured the people of Alanamu and its environs that the project would be completed in good time and according to the specification.

He implored the people of Alanamu community to take possession of the facility and ensure that it is properly supervised against possible abuse.

“While I thank you all for your steadfastness in following this administration with masses-oriented projects of Governor Abdul Rahman AbdulRazaq , you are humbly requested to note that this groundbreaking ceremony taking place here in Alanamu today marks the beginning of similar projects at Ajikobi and Eruda Communities respectively,” he added.

In attendance were the Kwara House of Assembly member representing Afon Constituency and Chairman House Committee on Water Resources, Bello Yinusa Oniboki; member representing Ilorin North-West Constituency, Ayisat Babatunde Olatundun; Permanent Secretary Ministry of Water Resources, Mrs. Christiana Ashonibare; Permanent Secretary Ministry of Housing, Alhaji Abdullahi Kayode Wahab; Balogun Alanamu Ilorin, Dr. Abubakar Usman Jos; and Balogun Ajikobi Ilorin, Alhaji Isiaq Okunrinjeje.

Olatundun and Oniboki, in their separate remarks, appreciated Governor AbdulRazaq for embarking on many people-focused projects in the state such as the public toilets, and urged the beneficiary community to put it in good use.

Balogun Alanamu Ilorin, Dr. Abubakar Usman Jos expressed delight over the project and thanked Governor AbdulRazaq for fulfilling his promise to improve the living standards of people of Alanamu.

He requested the government to ensure that the project is completed in time, while pledging his people's readiness to secure the public facility at all times.