The Deputy Volta Regional Minister says the region is racing against time to beat a 2014 deadline to fully implement a scheme aimed at discouraging people from engaging in open defecation. So far, the program has been deployed in more than 100 communities in four districts. Regional officials are optimistic a full implementation of the program will minimise any potential outbreak of cholera and other diseases. The Deputy Minister, Francis Ganyaglo told Joy News environmental health officers will lead an exercise to educate residents. "The implementation will be done by the District and Municipal Assembly so their involvement will be very key. And as they go out to engage in public education, they will also take steps to provide public places of convenience and encourage individuals to have a public place of convenience. Public places like markets, lorry stations will also be provided with public places of convenience. All in all, it will lead to the eradication of open defecation in the region by March 2014.