East Kotaraya is declared as an Open Defecation Free village

Thursday, October 1, 2015

It is a bright sunny day in East Kotaraya village, Parigi Moutong district, Central Sulawesi.

On September 29 all villagers will celebrate becoming an Open Defecation Free village. The event became more lively when Ir. H. Badrun Nggai, the vice-regent of Parigi Moutong (Parimo) comes to the celebration. This is the second time for him to attend the celebration of Open Defecation Free village in the villages assisted by Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI) in Parimo operational office.

East Kotaraya village has been assisted by WVI since 2013. At that time, toilets were not considered as a basic need. That was why most of villagers tended to defecate anywhere like in the river or garden. As the result, most villagers were threatened by dangerous diseases. They thought building toilets required a lot of money.

 
"I congratulate East Kotaraya village as an open defecation free village. This the second declaration of Healthy village in Parimo regency after Maranti village. We also give thanks to Wahana Visi Indonesia that has help government especially in health sector," he said.
 
"I feel happy because we have our own toilets at home. We could go to the toilet anytime we want, not just at night," said Nyoman Sudiarti, 31, a mother.
 
The Healthy Village event was also enlivened by dance performances by children from East Kotaraya and Maranti village. They rejoice since the children's health has been guaranteed by having their own toilet at home.

 
 
*Written by Rena Tanjung, Field Communications officer, World Vision Indonesia
Health Water