The case for better sanitation

As part of activities to mark this year’s world toilet day, the United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) ranks Nigeria fifth among countries whose citizens defecate in the open. UNICEF estimated that about 34 million Nigerians engage in open defecation.

Consequently, it was estimated that about 500,000 Nigerian children die every year from diarrhea and respiratory infections alone. While diarrhea is responsible for 194,000 deaths, respiratory infections kill about 240,000.

The absence of public toilets in some places contributes immensely to the pollution of water as the improper disposal of human waste filters directly to waterways. Many Nigerians depend on unfiltered water for drinking and cooking and this add to the spread of infectious diseases.

The impact of poor sanitation culture and improper disposal of excreta on water resources cannot be overemphasized. Many are always in the habit of throwing out their waste garbage in the open because the entire sanitation system has collapsed.

It is the responsibility of every Nigerian to maintain good sanitation standard by ensuring that their environs are clean through proper disposal of waste. Most states in the country observe monthly environmental sanitation on the last Saturday of every month during which everyone is expected clean their environment while the exercise last. Unfortunately this goal has not been achieved to a greater extent.

However, the alternative way out of this mess is the rehabilitation of existing public toilet and construction of new ones in all markets, schools, bus stops and other public places. The government should make the provision of these facilities a priority in the rural communities. Partnering with corporate organizations and institutions to make financial commitments towards sanitation is also very necessary.

Mobile toilets may be the best option in a place where construction of new toilets may not be possible. Youths should be engaged to ensure that the facilities are functional and well maintained.

 

Additionally landlords both in the rural and urban communities should be compelled to have at least toilets in their buildings. Local community health centres should be established in every local government of the federation to ensure that all toilets in the area are in healthy state.

 

Most importantly, there is urgent need for the sensitization of the general public on the risk of open defecation on the human health and the need to stop it.

 

Get more trends like this

Subscribe to our mailing list and get latest Nigeria trends in your inbox.

Tags:

Get more trends like this
in your inbox

Subscribe to our mailing list and get latest Nigeria trends in your inbox.