The Sahel region, like much of sub-Saharan Africa, faces significant development challenges, particularly in sanitation. Open defecation and urination remain rampant, contributing to public health concerns and a lack of dignity in daily life.
 

 

PDG Sunny Akuopha, whose commitment to water and sanitation projects began even before his tenure as District Governor, has been a passionate advocate for change. His journey into addressing these issues took a pivotal turn during the first Water Summit of the WASH Rotary Action Group (WASHRAG) in Lisbon, Portugal, in 2012. Inspired by the renowned sanitation advocate Jack Sim, popularly known as "Mr. Toilet," and his powerful presentation titled "Let’s Talk About Shit," Sunny established a connection that sparked his vision for transformative sanitation initiatives.

A Visionary Goal: The World Toilet Summit

Motivated to make a district-wide impact across the ten countries under his jurisdiction, PDG Sunny saw the World Toilet Summit—aligned with the globally recognized World Toilet Day—as the perfect platform. What started as a plan to build a few toilets to commemorate the summit quickly evolved into an ambitious goal: constructing 1,000 public toilets.

However, the unexpected challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the summit in both 2020 and 2021. Despite this setback, Sunny’s determination never wavered. Efforts to raise funds continued, and progress was made. Some toilets were successfully built in various countries, including on the historic Goree Island in Senegal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts hundreds of tourists daily yet previously lacked a single public toilet.

A Historic Visit and Rotary's Legacy

During Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick’s magical tour of Africa and her visit to District 9101 via Dakar, Senegal, one of the standout projects she witnessed was the public toilet initiative. President Stephanie was thrilled to see how this project aligned with Rotary's legacy, noting that the very first Rotary project in 1907 was also a public toilet installation—just two years after Rotary’s founding.

Sunny Akuopha emphasized that while only a fraction of the envisioned 1,000 toilets have been built, the journey continues. With ongoing fundraising efforts, the project progresses steadily, bringing hope and improved sanitation to underserved communities in the Sahel.

This initiative exemplifies how Rotary’s commitment to water, sanitation, and hygiene transforms lives, ensuring dignity and health for all. As the project advances, it serves as a testament to the power of visionary leadership and global collaboration.