By Muhammad Amaan
The Vulnerable People Support and Development Initiative (V-PeSDI) has engaged the Kano State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, on improving accessible toilet infrastructure across marketplaces in the state, with deliberate consideration for women and persons with disabilities.
The appeal was made during an advocacy visit by a delegation from V-PeSDI, led by its Coordinator, Aftahana Dahiru Sarina alongside Mallam Salisu Yusuf, and Amatulmannan Mikaeel Ishaq.
Discussions during the advocacy visit focused on inclusive and gender-responsive policies, accessibility challenges, and the urgent need for disability-friendly public conveniences in markets and other public spaces.
During the meeting, the V-PeSDI delegation emphasized the urgent need for public toilet facilities that adequately accommodate persons with disabilities and vulnerable women in marketplaces.
The delegation noted that many conventional facilities remain inaccessible to vulnerable groups due to structural barriers and the lack of inclusive design considerations.
The delegation further called for stronger policies, effective enforcement mechanisms, and dedicated budgetary allocations to support the construction of disability-friendly toilet infrastructure in marketplaces, public institutions, and workplaces.
Speaking on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, the Director of Pollution Control, Ibrahim Nasir, acknowledged the challenges facing major markets across the state, particularly the inadequate provision of public toilet facilities for women and persons with disabilities, as well as the persistent issue of open defecation.
He disclosed that the Ministry has already made budgetary provisions for the construction of additional public conveniences across markets, motor parks, and other public places. He further revealed that more than 100 toilets have been proposed for construction as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen environmental sanitation and public health across the state.
According to him, addressing open defecation and improving hygiene standards must go hand in hand with the provision of adequate toilet facilities that are safe, accessible, and inclusive for all members of society.
Responding to the concerns also raised by the delegation, Ibrahim Nasir assured V-PeSDI that the Ministry would continue to integrate gender-sensitive and disability-inclusive considerations into future projects and policy frameworks.
He further stated that necessary structural modifications would be considered to ensure easier access and convenience for women and persons with disabilities in Kano marketplaces.
