More toilet facilities only antidote to open defecation – Environmentalist

An environmental expert, Mr Gafar Odubote, has called for the provision of basic toilet facilities to curb the rising cases of open defecation across the country.

Odubote, the Network Coordinator, Africa Region of ‘Let’s Do it World’ (LDIW), an international body that is into environmental sustainability, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

He said that the pollution caused by open defecation might continue to rise if adequate toilet facilities were not provided for the masses.

“Open defecation has been on the rise despite awareness creation and sensitisation of Nigerians aagainst the menace.

“Aside awareness and sensitisation, we have to put the necessary infrastructure in place for people to stop this practice.

“The unavailability of necessary facilities for defecation is closely related to the rise of this pollution across cities in Nigeria,” he said.

The LDIW coordinator observed that most times when people are caught in traffic jams, there are no close or readily available toilet facilities, hence they do it anywhere.

“It is a call of nature that most people may not be able to contain, so in addition to sensitisation against open defecation, there should be provision of necessary facilities,” he said.

Odubote also called for a re-orientation of Nigerians through continuous advocacy and awareness creation.

He said it was also important to get basic Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in place to address the menace.

“Before placing sanctions on erring members of the society who engage in such practices, we must ensure we have provided alternatives for them.

“The sanctions are necessary because people will still commit the act even when they are aware of the availability of toilet facilities.

“The WASH system has to be in place before we can get rid of the common practice of open defecation,” Odubote said.

According to the environmentalist, peoples’ mind-sets need consistent awareness and advocacy on the ills of open defecation to the environment and their personal well-being.

He was also of the view that advocacy and awareness against open defecation must be continuous and not a one-off campaign.

“People should be steadily educated on the dangers of open defecation to their health and the environment,” he said.