The Chairman of Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State, Dr. Fred Okem, has raised alarm over the widespread practice of open defecation in the area, warning that a major public health crisis could emerge if urgent action is not taken.
Speaking during the presentation of the Cross River State Open Defecation Law to councillors for adoption as a local by-law, Dr. Okem disclosed that nearly 90 percent of residents currently engage in open defecation despite Yala previously attaining Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in 2018.
According to him, the resurgence of the practice has contributed significantly to the prevalence of waterborne diseases in the area.
“Yala was one of the first local government areas in Nigeria to attain Open Defecation Free status in 2018. Unfortunately, things have gone backwards, and today virtually 90 percent of our people defecate in the open,” he said.
The council chairman revealed that under the state’s sanitation law, residents have been granted a six-month grace period to provide toilet facilities in their homes. He warned that violators would face legal sanctions after the deadline expires.
He added that the local government is partnering with Toilet Pride Initiative to make affordable toilet facilities available to residents, markets and schools across the area.
Dr. Okem stressed that while some people view human waste as manure, it poses serious health risks due to the diseases and harmful bacteria it carries, including cholera and guinea worm.
Also speaking, the General Manager of the Cross River State Rural Water and Sanitation Agency (RUWATSA), Mr. Sunday Ebeku, said Governor Bassey Otu had signed the Open Defecation Law and other sanitation regulations to improve public health standards across the state.
Ebeku noted that residents living near rivers often dispose of human waste directly into water bodies, contaminating water sources and exposing communities to disease outbreaks.
“The water may appear clean, but once contaminated, it becomes a major health hazard to those who consume it,” he said.
He reiterated that after the six-month grace period, individuals caught defecating in the open and households without toilet facilities could face prosecution, including possible jail terms.
Ebeku encouraged residents to take advantage of affordable toilet schemes and loan facilities being provided through partner organizations and financial institutions.
He further disclosed that Yala Local Government Area in Cross River State and Makoda Local Government Area in Kano State are the two pilot locations selected by the Toilet Pride Initiative for the sanitation programme.
The officials called on residents to embrace the initiative as part of efforts to improve public health, environmental sanitation and overall quality of life in the community.
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