By Abubakar Baba Ahmad
Under Liman Katagum Ward in Bauchi Local Government Area, Bauchi State, this once-troubled community has overcome years of poor hygiene practices, a lack of clean water, and the scourge of communicable diseases.
The victims of these challenges were predominantly women and children.
For years, women in Sarkin Yamma resorted to the indignity of defecating in polythene bags or bushes, an unfortunate reality borne out of necessity.
Abdullahi Yusuf, the Sarkin Yamma Community Leader, recounts their struggles. "We tried addressing these challenges on our own, but our efforts yielded little progress," he laments.
The story began to change when UNICEF, in collaboration with state agencies, introduced the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) project, focusing on education and community engagement.
Before this intervention, the community lacked toilets and access to clean water. Women would use polythene bags for defecation, discarding them at rubbish dumps, Yusuf explains.
With over 5,000 residents, change seemed a monumental task, however, the establishment of a WASH Committee (WASHCOM) under the supervision of RUWASSA began to bridge the gap.
Now, almost every household in Sarkin Yamma boasts an improved toilet facility. These range from temporary to permanent structures, equipped with access to clean water. WASHCOM members diligently monitor compliance, ensuring that hygiene standards are maintained.
Malam Abdullahi Yusuf expresses his gratitude for this transformation: "It’s a life-changing experience for us. We owe it to the awareness and facilities provided."
Ramatu Umar, the community’s women leader, and Sani Usman, a member of WASHCOM, highlight the importance of adhering to hygiene measures. These include covering latrines with lids, using soap or ash for cleaning, and regular toilet maintenance.
"Such practices make our work as a committee easier and more effective," says Usman.
Seventy-year-old Muhammad Shehu shares his story as the Head of a WASH-compliant household. "I use a tippy-tap handwashing device in my toilet and ensure the pit latrine has a wooden handle for proper hygiene," he explains.
The ripple effects of these changes extend beyond Sarkin Yamma community. Alhaji Yakubu Abubakar Gani, the Ward Head of Liman Katagum, acknowledges the transformative impact of UNICEF and RUWASSA’s awareness campaigns.
"We faced significant challenges due to unhygienic practices and diseases. Now, WASHCOMs in every community ensure compliance, and violators of environmental laws are handed over to authorities," he notes.
Bauchi Local Government has now been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF), meeting all the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) certification requirements.
It is the ninth LGA in the state to achieve this milestone, after Dass, Warji, Shira, Gamawa, Bogoro, Ganjuwa, Toro, and Katagum. Three other LGAs are on the verge of achieving ODF status.
As Sarkin Yamma celebrates this significant achievement, the hope is that the community will not only uphold its new standards of cleanliness but also inspire others to follow in its footsteps.
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