According to the statistics by World Health Organization (WHO), 4.5 billion people live without a household toilet that safely disposes of their waste, approximately 315,000 children dies every year through poor sanitation and unsafe water caused by Diarrhoea.
Also, a large number of women and children in Nigeria are exposed to the risk of contracting infections due to lack of access to sanitation which impacts on health, dignity, and safety’
It is in the realisation of this fact the Harpic, toilet cleaning brand from Reckitt Benckiser the market leader in health, hygiene and home care products has partnered with the Lagos State Ministry of Environment in commemorating the 2017 World Toilet Day.
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Over the years, Harpic has taken on the challenge of creating awareness and educating Nigerians on the importance of better hygiene practices and improved health through the prevention of open defecation. This year, the brand has taken the sensitisation on the treatment and proper disposal of sewage or wastewater to In-ward Lagos Park, Ojodu Berger, Lagos.
The 2017 World Toilet Day with the theme “WasteWater” is focusing on the link between sanitation and proper disposal of wastewater, drawing the world’s attention to the importance of sanitation as a job opportunity whilst reducing open defecation and promoting better hygiene practices in the prevention of diseases such as Diarrhoea and toilet infections, especially in women and children.
At the sensitisation exercise, the Representative of the Lagos State Governor; the Honourable Commissioner for the Environment, Samuel Babatunde Adejare, commissioned the renovated public toilets at Ojodu Berger to the joy of community members, travellers and artisans.
Speaking at the event, Rahul Murgai, Managing Director, RB West Africa, emphasised the commitment of Harpic towards the World Toilet Day. “Harpic, one of RB’s power brands has consistently advocated the importance of having access to clean toilets and that wastewater, poor sanitation and issues like open defecation can create potential health problems, especially among women and children who are highly susceptible to infections and diarrhoea” he stated.
READ ALSO: Open defecation can affect public health, puts productivity, economic growth at risk
“Today is World Toilet Day with the theme wastewater and globally, over 80 per cent of all the wastewater from our homes, cities, industry and agriculture flows back to nature without being treated or reused – polluting the environment, and losing valuable nutrients and other recoverable materials. Due to population growth, accelerated urbanisation and economic development, the quantity of wastewater generated and its overall pollution effects are increasing globally.
“According to the World Water Development Report 2017, 1.8 billion people use a source of drinking water contaminated with faeces, putting them at risk of contracting cholera, dysentery, typhoid and polio. In fact, wastewater is roughly composed of 99% water and 1% suspended colloidal and dissolved solids. That means unsafe water, poor sanitation and hygiene lead to around 842,000 deaths each year.”He stressed further.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment, Abiodun Bamgboye stated that “We educate sewage management authorities on proper disposal and recycling of wastewater as wastewater management is being seriously neglected, and grossly undervalued as a potentially affordable and sustainable source of water, energy, nutrients and other recoverable materials. It, therefore, needs to be seen as a resource, rather than a burden to be disposed of.
There are many treatment processes and operational systems that will allow us to use wastewater to meet the growing water demand in growing cities, support sustainable agriculture, and enhance energy production and industrial development, therefore contributing to a more sustainable, efficient and equitable water use worldwide. Today, Harpic, our regular partner is joining forces with us in providing public awareness to the community. The ministry of environment welcomes such corporate support and will like other brands to emulate this as we celebrate World Toilet Day.”
Bamigbaiye-Elatuyi Omotola, the Regional Marketing Manager, RB West Africa also spoke on the opportunities to address potential health issues arising from poor sanitation. The adequate attention to solid waste, wastewater and also industrial accumulated waste management can help avoid the chain of infection.
She stated further that the leading toilet cleaning brand in Nigeria known for removing tough stains, killing germs and fighting bad odours, has been championing the initiative to mark the World Toilet Day in Nigeria. The everyday use of a good toilet cleaner and good sanitation can help us become a healthier nation.
ANTHONIA OBOKOH
