Ten more gewogs achieved the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status and 100 per cent improved sanitation (Pour flush with running water) coverage taking the total to 103 gewogs. The Ministry of Health recognised the new gewogs today as part of the World Toilet Day.
The gewogs include six gewogs from Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag, three from Dagana and one from Trashi Yangtse. Among the district, Wangdue Phodrang became the fifth district to achieve the ODF status in all its gewogs.
“Despite facing many challenges on our way to achieving 100 per cent improved sanitation and ODF status such as financial crisis, lack of manpower to do the work and most of the house owners have migrated to urban areas, we have achieved it through our hard work and cooperation,” said Pema Wangmo Tamang, the Gup of Gesarling Gewog in Dagana.
The Ministry of Health in partnership with SNV and UNICEF had initiated a system to officially recognize the gewogs/Dzongkhags for their achievements annually during the World Toilet Day to keep track of sanitation progress.
According to the ministry, the government commits to making Bhutan Open Defecation Free with access to toilets including pour-flush with running water by 2022.
“Having achieved the ODF status with pour-flush toilet for every household, the gewog administration will also focus and advocate on structure and sanitation of toilets before approving the construction. Now because of this initiative people also have understood the importance of improved sanitation and ODF status. It wouldn’t be that challenging to have proper toilets around,” said Dechen Wangdi, the Gup of Toedtsho Gewog in Trashi Yangtse.
To mark the day, the ministry also released the Leave No One Behind and Post Open Defecation Free Strategy. It is to help sustain the ODF status and other hygiene and sanitation behavioural change-related issues.
The strategy is also expected to contribute towards other Sustainable Development Goals including those relating to health, nutrition, education, poverty and economic growth, gender equity, social inclusion, resilience and climate change.
The World Toilet Day 2020 was observed with the theme, “Sustainable Sanitation and Climate Change.”
Kinzang Lhadon
