Residents of Aleita in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) have expressed appreciation to UNICEF for delivering an eco-friendly toilet facility at L.E.A. Primary School, Aleita.
At the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Suleiman Gimba, Head Teacher of the school, described the project as a transformative development for students and staff.
“When the NGOs first proposed the idea, I was unsure it could be done, but today we see the reality—the toilet has been completed, the water system is operational, and it was all constructed using plastic materials,” he said.
“This facility will help eliminate open defecation, as our old toilets had completely collapsed,” he added, commending UNICEF, RUWASA, and other partners for their dedication to improving hygiene and learning conditions.
The Chairman of the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Mr. Sunday Makama, highlighted the initiative’s positive impact on sanitation.
“I am grateful to RUWASA and UNICEF for this project. Previously, there were no usable toilet facilities here. Today, we see the results of their eco-friendly approach,” he said, noting the durability of the sand-filled plastic bottle construction.
Makama expressed hope that similar sustainable structures, including classrooms, could be developed in the future using the same materials.
Saratu Zakwoyi, women leader of the Aleita community, praised the project for promoting children’s health, hygiene, and dignity.
“At first, we doubted that toilets could be built from plastic bottles, but now we have seen it, and I have even used the facility myself—it is clean and comfortable,” she said.
She further urged UNICEF and the relevant authorities to replicate similar eco-friendly initiatives across the community, describing the project as a symbol of environmental awareness, progress, and empowerment.
Residents, school staff, and parents all voiced a shared hope that with continued support from government agencies, local stakeholders, and UNICEF, sustainable sanitation solutions could be extended to other schools and communities across Nigeria.
Aleita serves as a pilot community for the integrated Open Defecation Free (ODF) and climate-conscious sanitation project, demonstrating innovative approaches to hygiene and environmental sustainability.