Harpic refurbishes public toilets in communities
In demonstration of its support in building a healthy environment and making open defecation a thing of the past in Nigeria, Reckitt Benckiser, manufacturer of Harpic, has partnered with the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government to champion against the menace of open defecation.
As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark the 2021 World Toilet Day celebration, the brand used the opportunity to lend its voice against the dangers posed by open defecation to the citizens.
The Marketing Director, sub-Saharan Africa, Mr. Tanzim Rezwan, said the firm in partnership with the Federal Ministries of Water Resources and Environment, as well as the Lagos State Ministry of Environment had refurbished five public toilets which were donated to different communities in Lagos State.
“When some people in a community do not have safe toilets, everyone’s health is threatened. Poor sanitation contaminates drinking-water sources, rivers, beaches, and food crops, spreading deadly diseases among the wider population. It has been said that eliminating open defecation can be done by changing social behaviour and building basic and well-managed sanitation systems in poor communities.
“Over the years, Harpic has been a champion in providing access to hygienic sanitation solutions in Nigeria, and it is the reason our communication has been on education on the importance of toilet hygiene and sanitation to drive behavioural change.
“It is our aim that the toilet refurbishment will impact the lives of people and the environment in the community. It is also about taking action to tackle the global sanitation crisis and achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030. We appeal to the communities where these toilets are situated to preserve and look after the toilets because it relates to their health,” Rezwan said.
In the same vein, speaking at the 2021 World Toilet Day commemoration event in Abuja, the Minister of State for Environment, Mr Sharon Ikeazor, commended the effort of the private sector in the provision of toilet facilities across the country.
Mr. Ikeazor who was unavoidable absent, was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Hassan Musa. He urged the private sector to do more in order to prevent diseases that come with open defecation.
RECOMMENDED ARTICLES
Comment
No comments found.