India CSR News Network
THANE: Habitat for Humanity, India, a global NGO focused on housing and sanitation for the marginalised people, has joined hands with Thane Municipal Corporation to build 10 community toilets taking the tally to 331 toilets in the district.
This initiative at SatheWadi, would impact 500 individuals with access to 22 toilet seats including 11 toilets for men, 5 toilets for women, 2 toilets for children and 2 for differently abled individuals.
In a ceremony held today, Sanjeev Jaiswal, Commissioner of Thane Municipal Corporation, Jonathan Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity International, Rajan Samuel, Managing Director, Habitat for Humanity India inaugurated the Thane community toilet project.
Habitat for Humanity, India has built 331 toilets in Thane and is addressing the dire urgency of lack of proper sanitation facilities to create better sanitation infrastructure. Open defecation adversely affects the health of the entire society. As part of Government’s drive towards promoting smart cities, it is imperative that all stakeholders work towards the goal to attain open defecation free India.
This is in tune with the Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of providing ‘Housing for All by 2022’ and the mission to ‘End Open Defecation by 2019’.
Speaking on this initiative, Rajan Samuel, Managing Director, Habitat for Humanity, India said, “Many people lack access to better sanitation facilities causing serious hygiene and health issues. With the support of TMC, we are taking step towards making Thane district as open defecation free soon”.
He observed that in a country where 564 million of its citizens defecate in the open, it is imperative that the government and non-government bodies, corporate world and citizens work together to create better sanitation infrastructure.
“Habitat India’s ongoing sanitation efforts are intended to make people realize the importance of sanitation and to change behavior. Our desire is to help create a healthier India that will result in stronger families, stronger communities and a stronger nation,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO – Habitat for Humanity International
Sanjeev Jaiswal, Commissioner of Thane Municipal Corporation said, “We are happy to partner with Habitat for Humanity India for building community toilets in the city of Thane. The challenges of sanitation and hygiene are manifold in urban areas and Thane Municipal Corporation is committed to address them. Thanks to these community sanitation complex, hundreds of people will have access to better sanitation facilitates. Through this initiative we wish to be an integral part of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan towards a cleaner India.”
