The Executive Chairman of Yala Local Government Area, Hon. Elder Dr. Fred Okem, has vowed to restore the area’s Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, citing a direct link between sanitary practices and the eradication of waterborne diseases.
Dr. Okem made this commitment on Tuesday during a courtesy visit from the Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN), a coalition of non-governmental organizations, at the council headquarters.
Reflecting on the region’s past struggles with sanitation, Dr. Okem recalled the devastating impact of the guinea worm epidemic that once plagued communities such as Itega, Wanokom, Uzegbezi and South Ukelle.
“The devastation of guinea worm in Yala caused by poor sanitary situations was severe,” Dr. Okem stated. “We know the effects faeces cause to the body. Today, we have boreholes, which is a big step, but we must stop the practice of people going into the bush.”
Although Yala officially attained ODF status in 2019, the Chairman admitted that the local government had suffered a relapse due to various logistical factors. He noted that the council has already begun leading by example, citing the installation of new toilet facilities within the council secretariat to discourage the practice among staff and visitors.
To ensure this initiative is more than just a verbal promise, Dr. Okem announced significant administrative changes, noting that sanitation health has been upgraded from a unit to a full department within the local government structure.
Okem said a budget will soon be raised to provide dedicated funding for sanitary health functions.
The leader of the visiting delegation, Mr. Anthony Kedang, emphasized that adequate financing is the only way to prevent another relapse. He noted that the federal government’s “National Defecation Free” project and Governor Bassey Otu’s “Open Defecation Prohibition Law” provide the necessary legal framework for Yala to reclaim its lead in the WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) sector.
Supporting this mission, the General Manager of the Rural Water and Sanitation Agency (RUWATSSA), Hon. Sunday Oko, highlighted the ongoing contributions of international partners.
He revealed that Self Help Africa has already invested in 56 projects across Yala, including the construction of boreholes and public toilets.
The move marks a renewed health-first approach for the Yala administration, aimed at reducing the local burden of water-borne illnesses through infrastructure and strict policy enforcement.
