The Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA) is to assist the Pit Evacuators Association (PEA) in securing loans from microfinance institutions to ensure safe and effective faecal waste management across the state.
The Director General of the Agency, Dr Mahmud Bose, disclosed this at Misau during a two-day training on effective faecal sludge management for PEA members organised by the agency in partnership with WaterAid Nigeria.
He said that his agency was aware of the challenges faced by pit emptiers (or local toilet evacuators), notably the lack of septic tanks, protective equipment, market outlets, and the technical knowledge required for the conversion of faecal sludge for economic usage.
Dr Mahmud Bose also said that the state government had already ordered three septic tanks, one of which would be allocated to Misau for the safe evacuation and transportation of faecal solid waste to BASEPA-designated sites to deter people from dumping such waste on farms.
Earlier, a resource person and WASH Consultant, Dr Sulaiman Ahmed of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), reminded pit emptiers of the economic benefit of their profession, saying that if properly managed, faecal sludge could be converted to fertiliser, animal feed, and a source of energy for home use.
Dr Sulaiman, however, advised the pit emptiers to upgrade their business by ensuring that they utilise modern safety kits to protect themselves, their families, and the community at large from health hazards associated with the indiscriminate evacuation and disposal of faecal sludge.
In a message at the occasion, WaterAid Sanitation and Hygiene Manager, Victoria Ali, hailed the Bauchi State government for the successful implementation of the faecal sludge management training outside the state capital.
She described it as a milestone that should be replicated in other focal LGAs, including Jamaare and Tafawa Balewa.
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