The Public Health Engineering department conducted a training on “Capacity building on (Open Defecation Free) ODF sustainability for Rural bodies” organized by PHED (Urban) Kohima at the Conference Hall of Kohima Urban Division on October 12, sponsored by the Rural Development department (GIA/SFA).
A press release by the department stated that HRD consultant, WSSO, PHED Thenusou Sekhose, who chaired the program highlighted the impact of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) program and said that access to sanitation had grown enormously in India from 39% to 93%. As Nagaland has become an ODF State, attention is now moving to sustainability initiatives for IEC, capacity building and Swachhagrahis (Foot Soldiers), he said.
Sekhose also laid emphasis on sustaining the ODF status adding that it was at the core of the SBM. He urged for Individual Household Latrine (IHHL) constructed under SBM to continue functioning, ensuring continuous usage of toilets and practice of self hygiene behaviour, maintaining ODF status, and said that their operation and maintenance should be done by community itself.
The program was chaired by SDO, PHED Er. Abinuo Peki, invocation prayer was said by Ketsizo Medom chairman, Chede Model Village. EE, Kohima Urban Div, PHED Er. P Khetoi Sema delivered a welcome address and Theyiesetuo Khruomo pronounced the vote of thanks.