PEPSA Begins Final Abatement Notice Process for Households Without Functional Toilets in Jos South
The Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) has commenced the service of final abatement notices to households across Jos South Local Government Area that do not have functional toilet facilities.
The action is being carried out under the SURWASH Programme, following sustained efforts by the Agency to promote compliance through community and household engagements, public sensitisation on the importance of proper toilet facilities, advocacy for household-led sanitation improvements, and meetings with community leaders and household representatives.
As part of these efforts, PEPSA also provided support to vulnerable households facing difficulties in providing toilet facilities. Where the need was identified, the Agency constructed new toilets and upgraded existing facilities to help address sanitation challenges.
These interventions were intended to provide households with the necessary information, opportunity and support to meet applicable sanitation standards. However, despite the engagements and interventions, some households remain without functional toilet facilities.
PEPSA has therefore commenced the final stage of its compliance process.
The abatement notices being served give affected households seven days from the date of service to provide a functional toilet facility and comply with the applicable sanitation requirements.
At the expiration of the seven-day period, prosecution will commence against households that remain non-compliant, in accordance with the law.
The Agency is therefore urging all households yet to provide functional toilet facilities to use the final seven-day compliance period to take immediate action.
PEPSA has engaged, educated, advocated and provided support where necessary. The next step is enforcement.
Following the expiration of the notice period, the Agency will enforce the required sanitation standards across the affected communities in accordance with the law.
Every household must have a functional toilet. Compliance is no longer optional.
Samuel Nathaniel Dapiya
Director General
Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA)
