Cross River Local Government Sounds Warning as 88,000 Residents Engage in Open Defecation, Raising Fears of Imminent Health Crisis

Dr. Fred Okem, Chairman of Yala Local Government Area in Cross River State, has expressed concern over the high rate of open defecation in the area, warning that an epidemic may occur if the practice is not halted.

n

While presenting the Cross River State law on Open Defecation to local government councillors, Dr. Okem noted that the high incidence of waterborne diseases in the area is attributed to open defecation, and cautioned that homes without toilets will face legal consequences after a six-month grace period.

n

Dr. Okem stated that Yala was one of the first local government areas in the country to achieve open defecation-free status in 2018, but the situation has since deteriorated, with approximately 90% of residents now defecating in the open.

n

The local government is working to restore Yala's former status by ensuring every home, market, and school has a toilet, according to Dr. Okem, who added that a partnership with the Toilet Pride Initiative will provide affordable toilet facilities for residents.

n

Dr. Okem emphasized that human waste, often perceived as fertilizer or food for animals, actually contains diseases and bacteria like cholera and guinea worm that are harmful to humans, underscoring the need to stop open defecation.

n

Sunday Ebeku, General Manager of the Cross River State Rural Water and Sanitation Agency, noted that Governor Bassey Otu has signed the Open Defecation Law and other sanitation laws to improve the state's health and sanitation standards.

n

Ebeku urged everyone to support the government's agenda, highlighting the risks of open defecation, particularly for those living near rivers, who often defecate into the water, which can then contaminate drinking water.

n

After the six-month grace period, individuals who defecate in the open or live in homes without toilets will face jail time, according to Ebeku, who encouraged residents to take advantage of affordable toilet facilities and loans from a partnering bank.

n

Dr. Okem noted that Yala, along with Makoda in Kano State, are the two local government areas where the Toilet Pride Initiative is implementing its program, and encouraged residents to participate in the initiative to improve their healthcare.