The United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with the Oyo State Government, has called for the recovery of the revolving fund provided to Toilet Business Owners (TBOs) by Microfinance Institutions (MFIs).
This initiative is aimed at advancing the state’s goal of becoming open defecation-free.
During a recent review meeting held in Ibadan, which assessed the 15-month cycle of the Sanitation Revolving Fund, the Oyo State Government and UNICEF representatives established a plan to ensure the recovery of loans from defaulting TBOs.
The multimillion-naira loans had been distributed to TBOs in Ona-Ara and Egbeda as part of the Open Defecation Free project, which has seen considerable success despite some defaults.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the defaulters, Alhaji Babalola Afobaje, Chairman of the Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (OYORUWASSA), instructed microfinance institutions to take decisive action against those who have not repaid their loans.
He emphasized the significance of maintaining the momentum towards achieving open defecation-free status, particularly in the selected areas of Egbeda and Ona-Ara Local Government Council Areas.
Alhaji Afobaje extended his gratitude to UNICEF for their continuous support, both financial and technical, which has been crucial in the state’s efforts to eradicate open defecation.
He praised the commitment of the microfinance institutions in managing the sanitation revolving fund and stressed the importance of prioritizing rural communities in these efforts.
The General Manager of OYORUWASSA, Mr. Adeduntan Adeniyi, highlighted the effective use of the funds allocated for toilet construction, noting that these efforts are propelling Oyo State closer to its open defecation-free goal.
He affirmed that the microfinance institutions had managed the funds judiciously and that the time had come for the funds to be liquidated, which prompted the meeting.
UNICEF’s WASH Consultant, Miss Faith Gbagidi, emphasized the necessity of the meeting to address the challenges encountered during the disbursement and recovery of the Sanitation Revolving Fund.
She underlined the importance of reviewing the 15-month cycle to enhance the effectiveness of future disbursements and ensure better outcomes.
In summary, the collaboration between the Oyo State Government and UNICEF underscores a committed effort to eradicate open defecation in the state.
The pursuit of defaulters and the strategic management of the revolving fund are critical steps towards achieving this objective.
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