Kaduna’s Man Innovative Toilet Project
Kaduna man initiates 4-rooms toilet construction with over 25,000 plastic bottles for school without toilet
Kaduna man initiates 4-rooms toilet construction with over 25,000 plastic bottles for school without toilet
Gabriel Udeh, kaduna
Creativity, it’s said is the mother of invention, as an indigene of Kaduna state has initiated the construction of four-rooms toilet using over 25,000 plastic bottles.
The aim is to address the sanitation issues at the local secondary school without any toilet facilities, to also help eliminate open defecation.
Known as Alamin Lawal, the Kaduna-based volunteer behind the project told Public Intel yesterday that work is underway in the community at Abakwa Secondary School, where the first-ever plastic waste toilet will be built for the students.
“We’ve enlisted some of the best engineers, builders, and bricklayers to ensure this project is completed effectively,” said Alamin.
The initiative involves constructing a four-room toilet using plastic bottles collected from trash, dumps and the streets around the state, also aiming to reduce plastic pollution, which contributes to flooding and other environmental problems.
“These plastic bottles such as empty Pepsi, Coke, Miranda, Sprite, and other drinks are typically discarded at waste sites. We’re repurposing them for this toilet, which is designed to last for many years,” Alamin explained.
The primary goal of the initiative is to combat both open defecation and plastic pollution on a larger scale, he stated.
“Our survey found that the school in Abakwa community had no toilets, and there are over 360 students attending. This new initiative will allow students to relieve themselves during school hours, which is a huge improvement,” he said.
Alamin Lawal also disclosed that he volunteered to undertake the project as part of his support for the state government and other organizations focused on protecting the environment.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to use the “Hey Global Climate Fund” to fund this project and provide a modern toilet for the students’ benefit,” he added.
According to Alamin, between 20,000 and 25,000 plastic bottles will be used to build this innovative four-room toilet, making it the first of its kind for a community school, he Themed: “Connecting Sanitation with Creativity for Future Generations”.
Engineer Siba Ahmed, Chief engineer with the Developmental Associations for Renewable Energy (DARE), shared their involvement in the project. “We’re here at Abakwa Community School to build the first-ever four-room plastic waste toilet for the students to use during school hours,” Siba said.
He noted that the construction was going well and expected the project to be completed before the end of Ramadan, with God’s will.
“The toilet we’re building is unlike anything seen before in public schools in Kaduna State. It will be more durable than conventional block buildings and will withstand all weather conditions,” Siba added.
Addressing Plastic Waste, lbrahima Yakubu, a science and climate journalist with African Climate Reporters, visited the site to learn more about the project.
He highlighted the importance of the initiative in combating plastic waste. “According to a 2014 report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), about 280 million tons of plastic are produced annually worldwide, yet only a small fraction is recycled”.
He commended the initiative and urged civil society organizations and other environmental NGOs to support such efforts.
Ibrahima also called on the Nigerian government to recognize and reward individuals like Alamin Lawal for their dedication and tireless work toward improving the country.
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