Assessment of water and sanitation facilities and hygiene practices in Pankshin District, Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State 

This study assessed water and sanitation facilities and hygiene practices among residents of Pankshin District in Pankshin Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. The study aimed to examine residents’ access to water sources, sanitation facilities, and hygiene practices, as well as to evaluate their level of awareness regarding sanitation and health. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and structured questionnaires were administered to 200 randomly selected respondents across communities within the district. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that although a majority of residents had access to some form of water supply, many relied on unimproved sources such as wells and streams, increasing their vulnerability to waterborne diseases. Women and children were primarily responsible for water collection, indicating gender-related disparities in household water responsibilities. Sanitation infrastructure was inadequate, with pit latrines being the most common facility, while open defecation remained prevalent due to limited toilet availability and long distances to existing facilities. Although most respondents were aware of the health implications of poor sanitation, consistent hygiene practices, including regular handwashing, were constrained by insufficient infrastructure and limited resources. The study concluded that despite relatively high awareness of sanitation-related health risks, inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure, poverty, and weak institutional support continue to undermine effective hygiene practices. It recommends increased investment in sustainable water supply systems, improved sanitation infrastructure, and strengthened community-based hygiene education programs to enhance sustainable WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) outcomes in Pankshin District