The commemoration of the 6th National Toilet Day today came with an emphasis from the Acting Prime Minister, Afioga Tuitama Dr. Talalelei Tuitama.
“National Toilet Day is all about reminding each and everyone of us that our toilet is our job because what goes in to our bodies must come out and we all are responsible and should have respect for the health of others.
“This translates into making sure you have a well designed and built septic tank that meets all the recommended standards and making sure that your toilet does not have any negative impact on your health as well as the environment and on the health of others.”
Samoa started celebrating World Toilet Day in 2011.
Tuitama also said a resolution entitled, ‘sanitation for all’ was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2013, which called for greater attention and awareness on the global sanitation crisis.
Close to 800 plastic septic tanks have been installed in selected villages as part of a pilot project funded by the Asian Development Bank. Tuitama said this project aims to improve quality of ground water from the impacts of dysfunctional septic tanks, and is intended to reduce incidences of diarrhea caused by contaminated water and is also part of our contribution to sustainable sanitation infrastructure for the protection of our health and our environment.
The celebration of the establishment of two garden toilets at Lotofaga and Saleimoa were also part of today’s programme.
“The Government wishes to acknowledge the support of the European Union and Asian Development Bank for providing funding for today’s programme.”
The programme included a float competition from the Police car park to the Samoa Tourism Fale and a presentation by PUMA.
###
