Lagos Assembly Calls For Strict Action Against Open Defecation

The Lagos State House of Assembly has called for stricter measures to curb open defecation and improve sanitation across the state.

During plenary on Tuesday, the lawmakers urged the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources to fully enforce environmental laws prohibiting open defecation and ensure the availability of free public toilets statewide.

They also stressed the need for a sustained public awareness campaign to educate residents on its dangers.

The Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, condemned the practice, emphasising the urgency of improving sanitation infrastructure.

Raising the matter under Urgent Public Importance, Stephen Ogundipe (Member representing Oshodi-Isolo 01) warned that open defecation tarnishes Lagos’ reputation and hinders sustainable development.

Bonu Solomon (member representing Badagry 01) called for the arrest of homeless individuals contributing to the sanitation crisis and urged local government chairmen to support state efforts in maintaining cleanliness.

On his part, Gbolahan Yishawu (member representing Eti-Osa 01) proposed the introduction of affordable public toilets as a practical solution.

Also, Femi Saheed (Member representing Kosofe 02) called for clear policies to ensure proper management of sanitation facilities, while Hon. Aro Moshood (Ikorodu 02) linked open defecation to waste accumulation, stressing the need for stricter waste management, especially in market areas like Mile 12.

The Assembly resolved to intensify awareness campaigns and collaborate with private sector stakeholders to fund sanitation initiatives across Lagos.

THE WHISTLER reports that in August 2024, the state government set up a task force to arrest those who defecate in open spaces.

“The Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources today continues the total cleanup of Ojodu – Berger median, warns against defecating on the roadside, as the Lagos State government set up Taskforce to arrest offenders,” Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab had said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

This came a little over a week after the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) launched a joint media campaign to ban open defecation along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, particularly targeting the median from OPIC Plaza to Otedola Bridge.

The initiative, the two agencies noted, was aimed at enhancing public health and environmental sustainability by preventing the spread of cholera and other communicable diseases while restoring the aesthetic appeal of the corridor, known as a gateway to Lagos.

Lagos Assembly Calls For Strict Action Against Open Defecation is first published on The Whistler Newspaper