August 26, 2023

… Says we’ll sustain campaign on eradication of open defecation

Lagos State Government has reiterated its determination to sustain the campaign against Eradication of Open Defecation by 2025 through the National transformational agenda tagged Clean Nigeria: “Use the Toilet Campaign”.

The Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Mr Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen, who stated this at the “Use the Toilet Campaign’’ held at the Secretariat of Mushin Local Government at Palm Avenue, noted that raising awareness is pivotal but there is a need to educate all communities about the health risks associated with open defecation and the benefits of using proper sanitation facilities.

The Permanent Secretary, represented by a Director in the Sanitation Department in the Office, Mrs Omoyeni Balogun, added that knowledge is the foundation upon which change is built, and by informing the citizens, they are empowered to make choices that would positively impact their lives.

He said Open Defecation is not merely about sanitation concerns but a multifaceted challenge that negatively impacts the environment, health, education, economy and social fabric of any society.

He stressed that the consequences of open defecation are far-reaching and profound from the spread of waterborne diseases to the contamination of the water sources, noting the practice poses a grave threat to public health.

Gaji further explained that children are vulnerable, as they are more susceptible to these diseases due to their developing immune systems, adding that open defecation undermines the dignity of the people, especially the women and girls who often bear the brunt of the unhealthy practice.

He said people should not dwell solely on the challenges but focus on the solutions and the collective actions that can be taken to put an end to the menace in the State, saying “Everyone must approach the issue with a sense of urgency, determination and unity”.

The Permanent said Lagos State, having attained the Resilience City status and with its vibrant communities and growing urban centres, has made remarkable strides in its journey towards development and would not allow the menace to stand as a stark contradiction to the aspirations for a cleaner, healthier and more prosperous Lagos.

“Accordingly, let us be the Change Agents who transform Lagos State into a model of sanitation excellence, setting an example for others to follow.

Together, let’s End Open Defecation and create a Safer, Cleaner, Healthier and Sustainable Environment in other to bequeath a more prosperous Lagos for generations to come”, he said.

Gaji pointed out that it is time to envision a Lagos where clean and accessible sanitation facilities are available to all, where water bodies remain unpolluted and where the well-being of all are protected. As such, eradication of open defecation is not an option but a necessity that matters to the environment.

He averred that it is high time for Urban Planners and Engineers to collaborate with the government to design accessible and safe facilities that would cater for the needs of all residents, regardless of their background and socio-economic status.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chairman Mushin Local Government, Hon. Olanrewaju Bamgboye said, according to routine mapping reports of 2021 about four million Lagosians still practice open defecation leading to various diseases and death.

He affirmed that Mushin Local Government, known to be densely populated, will collaborate with the private sector to build 500 Public Toilets in the geo-political wards of Mushin in addition to the already existing toilets in the community.