By Obiabin Onukwugha
Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, stands as one of Nigeria’s largest economic centers, trailing only behind Lagos.
It takes its place as the fifth most populous city in the country, following the ranks of Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Ibadan.
Recognized as Nigeria’s ‘Garden City,’ Port Harcourt embraces a diverse populace, catering to individuals across various income levels. Its prominence as an oil-producing state attracts both low and high-income earners.
A visit to its parks and the bustling International Airport, Omagwa, unveils a continuous influx of people from different corners of Nigeria and even the global stage, all drawn to the state in pursuit of livelihood opportunities.
This trend is notably attributed to the city’s singular position as the sole urban center within Rivers State, prompting rural-urban migration.
Port Harcourt also boasts a reputation as a hub for pleasure seekers, given its hospitable atmosphere and culinary delights.
The experience of savoring dishes such as fisherman soup, Bole (a delectable combination of roast plantains, yams, and potatoes garnished with fish and gravy), and Onunu, among others, is enticing enough to evoke a desire for repeated visits. Adding to this allure are the captivating beauties that adorn its streets.
However, amidst the city’s bustling economic activities, an array of challenges emerges, particularly in relation to the environment. One significant concern is the prevalent issue of open defecation.
Numerous sections of Port Harcourt, including areas designated as Government Reserved Areas (GRA), suffer from noxious odors.
Strolling along many streets and roads within the city, the inhalation of fresh air becomes an elusive luxury due to the offensive emanations that escape from gutters and drainages.
Investigations undertaken by this reporter have unveiled a disheartening reality: a substantial portion of the city’s populace, particularly those with limited financial means, resort to open defecation.
This practice is perpetuated by the absence of proper toilet facilities in certain compounds.
A resident from the D/Line vicinity of Port Harcourt, Ngozi, disclosed that many individuals adhere to what is locally referred to as ‘short put.’ This practice involves defecating into a plastic bag and discarding it at a distance, usually during nighttime hours.
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Ngozi attributes this behavior to inadequate toilet facilities within several households.
Victor, a former contract worker in refuse disposal, lamented how he and his colleagues often encounter feaces while carrying out their duties.
He expressed that individuals sometimes openly defecate in receptacles, while others wrap their waste in plastic bags before leaving them strewn about.
Ambassador Ben, a resident of Rumuolumeni, shed light on the grim situation of open defecation in his area.
He noted that inadequate toilet facilities in his compound, housing around 14 apartments with an average of four inhabitants per family, force residents to resort to less sanitary alternatives like defecating into plastic bags.
These bags are then either disposed of in refuse bins or, in some instances, discarded in rivers.
Favour, residing in the Rex Lawson neighborhood, divulged that residents primarily depend on public toilets constructed alongside the riverside.
Although the government-built facilities are managed privately, they charge a nominal fee for usage.
However, Favour believes that widespread access to proper toilet facilities within individual compounds could significantly mitigate health risks associated with open defecation.
Micah, a resident in the Enugu Waterfront area, described how his family relies on public toilets and pays a fee of N20 per use.
He elaborated on the financial implications this poses, particularly when family members face gastrointestinal issues.
Commenting on this issue, Prof. Daniel Ugwu, Country Director and CEO of the African Centre for Rural Development and Environment, highlighted the adverse consequences of open defecation on the environment and public health.
He underscored the link between climate change, open defecation, and health concerns, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive government intervention to provide adequate toilet facilities and achieve the goal of ending open defecation in Nigeria by 2030.
Despite the presence of environmental laws in Rivers State and the efforts of the Rivers State Environmental Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) to address sanitation and related matters, the issue of open defecation has received relatively limited attention from both past and present state administrations.
In light of this, the state government, at both federal and state levels, is called upon to prioritize the provision of suitable toilet facilities, thereby curbing the persistent challenge of open defecation and ultimately achieving the nation’s sanitation goals.
