EU, UNICEF To Phase Out Pier Latrines In N’Delta

Pier latrine systems that litter waterfronts of riverine communities may soon phase out if the efforts of the European Union (EU) and United Nations Children and Education Fund (UNICEF) to introduce a new, affordable and hygienic system of toilets known as the drum dry pit latrine become a reality.
According to the consultant of Opobo/Nkoro Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) unit, Uchechi Osuigwe, the drum dry pit latrine is a novel system of toilets that EU­UNICEF is experimenting in the Niger-Delta areas due to the perceived advantages this system has over previous and existing systems of toilet in the region.
Mr. Osuigwe stated that the drum dry pit latrines have been successfully experimented in communities of Brass and Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State, hence the desire to pilot the system in 26 communities of Opobo/Nkoro LGA.
The consultant who made the clarification in an address at a seminar to introduce the drum dry pit latrine, urged the participants to properly market the programme to all the people and inhabitants of the communities of  the local government area so as to make them buy in and begin the construction and usage of the new system of toilet.
Also speaking, a resource person at the seminar and WASH consultant for Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, John Nwaimuo, stated that while the previous systems of latrine are expensive to construct, non-dignifying in nature, unhygienic, prone to health challenges, unfriendly to the environment, the drum dry pit latrine system is inexpensive, affordable, hygienic and very friendly to the environment even as just a little space of land is needed for its construction.
In his remarks, the co-ordinator of WASH unit in Opobo/Nkoro, Ezekiel Wari, urged the people of the area to key into the programme so as to help meet the goal of EU-UNICEF for their continuous show of interest by completely sponsoring the project in the area.
Mr. Wari stressed the need for the people to improve on their health and sanitation status so to continue to receive more support and sponsorship in the years ahead to make communties of Niger-Delta hygienic and sanitation-friendly by all standards.