PASBAR, kiprahkita.net - The regional government of Pasaman Barat held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Wednesday (4/9), as a follow-up to previous dialogues aimed at building a collective commitment to achieve an Open Defecation Free (ODF) district by 2024.
The event, held at the Pasaman Barat Regent's Office, was opened by Deputy Regent Risnawanto and attended by representatives from the West Sumatra Provincial Health Office and various stakeholders.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Regent Risnawanto emphasized that one of the goals of the 2020–2024 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) is to strengthen infrastructure in order to support economic development and basic services. One of its priorities is the provision of safe and adequate drinking water and sanitation.
Risnawanto further explained that achieving ODF status means that all individuals within an area no longer defecate in open spaces.
"The government targets an increase in access to safe, affordable, and adequate housing and settlements by 2024. This includes a target of 90 percent access to proper sanitation, 15 percent access to safe sanitation, and the elimination of open defecation. An ODF village is one where 100 percent of the population uses proper toilets," he said.
He also highlighted that the Ministry of Health's Strategic Plan (Renstra) for 2024 targets 90 percent of villages achieving ODF status. This achievement signifies improved sanitation quality in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to data on sanitation access, West Sumatra has reached 75 percent, but seven districts/cities, including Pasaman Barat, have yet to achieve ODF status. Currently, 86 percent of households in Pasaman Barat use proper toilets, and 33.33 percent of its villages have achieved ODF status.
"As of January 2024, 30 nagari have declared ODF status, and 15 more are ready for verification. However, 45 nagari, or around 14,000 households, remain a collective challenge for us to address," he added.
Risnawanto stressed the importance of synergy between all sectors, both government and private, to achieve Pasaman Barat's goal of becoming an ODF district by 2024.
Government support, especially in infrastructure funding, has significantly accelerated progress towards ODF. However, he reminded that various factors continue to hinder widespread access to sanitation facilities.
"If not followed up with adequate infrastructure, the behavioral changes we've achieved in the community could regress. Therefore, government support is essential to accelerate and sustain these changes, given the economic, social, cultural, and geographical challenges," he concluded.(kominfopsb)
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