Kwara govt warns against open defecation

Kwara State Government has warned the residents of the state to shun open defecation, saying it poses a big threat to human health.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Public Relation Officer of Ministry of Environment, Mrs Taiwo Okanlawon, and made available to newsmen on Saturday in Ilorin.

Okanlawon said that government did not want people to defecate openly, because it could lead to infecting communicable diseases to residents.

“The Commissioner for Environment, Remilekun Banigbe, said open defecation is a national issue, that needs to be tamed before it tames us.

“Banigbe said that Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration has put measure in place to eradicate open defecation in the state.

“We appeal to the people of the state to defecate responsibly because we are waging war against open defecation,” she said.

The PRO said that 11 modern toilet facilities had been built across all local governments in the metropolis for the convenience of people.

She said that government also ensured modern toilets were constructed at public schools, to guide against open defecation at the school level.

“The commissioner warned that anyone planning to build a house, should include toilet facility in the plan, before embarking on the project.

“She said the ministry is working hand in hand with physical planning authority to ensure toilet facilities are considered in all drawings and plans, else, building won’t be approved,” the PRO said.

Okanlawon said that celebration of World Toilet Day is not taken with levity, as the state joined other countries in the world to celebrate it.

(NAN)