By Grace Samuel
Residents and pedestrians along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway are voicing their dissatisfaction with the rampant issue of open defecation, specifically on the newly reconstructed drainage system.
This growing problem has culprits leaving feaces on the road median, compelling pedestrians to endure unpleasant odors while crossing the expressway.
The median, spanning from Berger in Lagos State to Kara, Warewa, and Mowe in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, has unfortunately become a regular site for public defecation, causing distress among local residents and pedestrians.
The strong odors emanating from the area are not only unsightly but also pose significant health risks to personal hygiene.
Tunde Adewale, a concerned resident, remarked, “In addition to the unsightly appearance of the median, the presence of feces poses a significant health risk to us, and the government needs to take action immediately. Despite numerous complaints, nothing has been done, and we are at risk of contracting diseases like cholera and dysentery. We cannot ignore the dangers of allowing this to persist without challenge.”
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While there are concerns about the availability of public toilets along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, our correspondent noted two different public toilets at the OPIC and Arepo ends of the highway.
An attendant named Akin revealed that the facilities charge a modest fee of N100 for bathing and N100 for toilet use.
Despite these provisions, some individuals still choose to defecate on the median, prompting attendants to take measures to deter such behavior.
Olayiwola Ogunsolu, one of the managers of the public restroom, stressed that the government must take decisive action against open defecation culprits.
He suggested imposing fines, like N5,000, on offenders to underscore the seriousness of the offense and encourage the use of public facilities.
The Commissioner for Environment in Ogun State, Ola Oresanya, expressed dissatisfaction with the situation and pledged increased enforcement to apprehend the culprits.
Recognizing a lapse in enforcement, Oresanya emphasized the need for a permanent and effective policing presence to deter open defecation along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
