By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has expressed deep concern over the poor sanitary conditions in public spaces, particularly in primary healthcare (PHC) facilities and local government secretariats across the state.
The governor, represented by his Technical Adviser on Healthcare Services, Malam Isah Surajo, voiced his concerns during the disbursement of consumable and non-consumable items to PHC facilities in the state.
Surajo lamented the unhygienic state of some PHC clinics and government offices, describing them as unfit for human occupation. He stated, “It is disheartening that one cannot sit down comfortably or even drink water in some of these offices, let alone medical facilities.”
He urged Heads of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Departments in the 27 local government areas to prioritize cleanliness, not limiting sanitation exercises to the last Saturday of every month. Instead, he advocated for daily sanitation activities to maintain proper hygiene standards.
“The poor sanitary condition of such places can pose serious health risks, especially to children, exposing them to communicable diseases,” Surajo emphasized.
He stressed the importance of extending sanitation efforts beyond individual homes to public spaces, urging officials to work closely with PHC managers to ensure health facilities remain clean and safe.
Surajo also directed the WASH officials to expand their operations, involve health facility heads, and implement measures that would make clinics as hygienic as personal homes.
The governor’s aide highlighted the availability of environmental health workers in PHC facilities and assured that where additional support is needed, the Association for Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and council chairmen would provide assistance.
Surajo further warned against mismanagement or diversion of the distributed items, urging officials to use them judiciously to benefit the intended facilities and communities.