Plan International, a non-governmental organization has constructed 101 cubicles of gender-segregated latrines for schools in the Konduga local government of Borno state.

The effort is aimed at discouraging open defecation in schools, improve sanitation hygiene and curb the spread of cholera which has been prevalent in different parts of the country.

The project is funded by European Union DEVCO.

Also constructed are water pumps, in 15 schools across MMC and Konduga LGA, Borno State, and handed them over to the Borno State Government.

So far, Plan International under the European Union DEVCO funded project has constructed 256 cubicles since the kick-off of the project in 2019.

This will help in reducing open defecation by school children which are caused by a lack of functional latrines in their school.

The Senior Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Borno State on Education, Alhaji Tijani Lawan was on ground to receive the latrines constructed at Yerwa Girls Government Secondary school. He said the efforts by Plan International was acknowledged by the state government and it will go along way to improve hygiene in schools particularly in schools that are mainly for girls which is inline with the organizations country strategy of empowering 10 million girls to lead, learn, decide and thrive.

Hajia Zanab Musa represented the Executive Chairman of SUBEB at the handover in Ngarnam and Bulabulin Diyabe primary school. She commended Plan International for doing a great job in promoting hygiene in schools. She also encouraged the school and School Based Management Committee SBMC members to cultivate a habit of maintenance by ensuring that the latrines are washed and kept clean at all times.

Plan International also provided hand wash stands in also the schools.

Plan International believes that the construction of the latrines will help to increase the attendance of students in schools, improve students’ hygiene, most especially girls.