Only 16% of households in Kassena Nankana have toilets – Environmental Health Officer Raises Alarm
Akambe revealed that the majority of households still practice open defecation, which poses significant health threats to the community.
Pious Akambe, the Environmental Health Officer for the Kasena Nankana Municipality, has raised serious concerns about the alarmingly low number of households with toilet facilities in the are, just 16%, a situation he says has dire implications for public health.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Tuesday, July 22, Akambe revealed that the majority of households still practice open defecation, which poses significant health threats to the community.
“If you look at our household latrine coverage, we are currently at 16%. That means only 16% of households have toilets. What happens to the rest? They engage in open defecation, and it ends up contaminating our food and water sources, posing serious health risks,” he lamented.
Akambe also highlighted several other environmental health challenges facing the municipality, including poor waste disposal practices, inadequate drainage systems, unsafe food handling in markets and on the streets, and resistance from the public when health directives are enforced.
He stressed the need for behavioral change among residents, urging individuals to take responsibility for their actions to promote a cleaner, healthier environment.
“We need to reflect on our behavior. For instance, after drinking sachet water, how do you dispose of the sachet? Do you draw attention when others litter? These small acts matter,” he noted.
“Also, when building a house, it’s essential to include a toilet facility. And we must all be mindful to keep our surroundings clean at all times.”
Akambe called for a collective effort to address the pressing sanitation issues, warning that without change, the public health of the municipality remains at risk.
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