Ninety-seven per cent of Samoa’s population is using an improved sanitation facility, says the Associate Minister of Works Transport and Infrastructure.

Speaking during the commemoration of the 7th National Sanitation Day at the Apita o Pisaga Hall in Salelologa on Friday, Niuava Eti Malolo Samoa joined the world in marking World Toilet Day which was first celebrated on 19 November 2001.

“It places an emphasis on everyone’s roles in looking after our toilets and ensuring that it does not create any nuisances,” said Niuava.

“Samoa first joined and started celebrating in 2011 and this still continues.”

The theme for the commemoration of the day was “valuing our toilets” with the programme including the launching of the Neiafu Garden Toilet, an action poem competition run by the selected women’s committee on the theme of this year’s event.   

“For Samoa as a whole, the percentage of the population using an improved sanitation facility is 97 per cent based on the survey findings in the WASH Baseline Survey in 2015,” said Niuava. 

The Associate Minister said that on 21 July 2013 the United National General Assembly adopted the resolution titled “Sanitation for All” and designated November 19 as an official U.N. Day.

“The resolution calls for greater attention and awareness specifically on the global sanitation crisis through the commemoration of World Toilet Day,” he said.

He also said that the theme “valuing our toilets” emphasises the importance of expanding sanitation access to the more than 3.6 billion people living without safely managed sanitation options which is about 45 per cent of the global population of about 7.8 billion.

“[And] improvements in hygiene practices and increase of septic tanks built within  acceptable standards just to name a few and on-going programs such as the construction of garden toilets, maintenance of public toilets, biogas systems and sludge facilities all of which help raise awareness and to celebrate Samoa’s contribution to the World Toilet Day,” said the Associate Minister.

“These efforts are part of the Sector's commitment towards the realisation of its Long Term Outcome in ensuring for all the people of Samoa to access sustainable, safe, affordable water and improved sanitation and hygiene services enhancing health, productivity and resilience for all”.

Niuava added that Samoans should continue to encourage each and every one to place importance on looking after their toilets.