Lagos vows to eradicate menace of open defecation

By Mary Joseph

The Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps on Thursday vowed to eradicate the menace of open defecation in the State.

Speaking at a stakeholder’s engagement meeting which took place on Thursday, the Corps Marshal, Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, Major Olatunbosun Olaniyi Cole (Rtd), weighed in on the critical issue of open defecation and the threat it posed to the society.

“Open defecation is a menace to our society, and we must work together to eradicate it, the recent cholera outbreak in our state underscores the urgency of addressing this challenge,” he said.

Cole highlighted that the state government is constructing additional toilet facilities to provide adequate sanitation infrastructure for Lagos residents.

He further stated that government would be implementing a 24-hour monitoring plan, in collaboration with the ministry, to ensure effective supervision and enforcement.

Cole added that the initiative would be rolled out in various locations where open defecation is prevalent, and personnel to oversee its execution.

Also speaking, the Managing Director, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Muyiwa Gbadegesin, vowed that the Authority would crack down on defaulters who refused to pay for waste collection services.

The government also warned that officers who failed to perform their duties effectively would face suspension.

Gbadegesin, who was represented by the Assistant Director of LAWMA, Kemi Salami, lamented the low turnout in payment for waste management services, with many residents failing to fulfill their obligations, exacerbating the state’s waste management challenges.

He also emphasized the importance of individual responsibility in maintaining a clean state, noting that PSP and LAWMA officers are responsible for collecting disposed waste from residents weekly.

Furthermore, Gbadegesin urged residents to report any lapses in service to their local government’s designated LAWMA office.

Additionally, Dr. Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, represented by one of the directors, Tope Ilori urged market women across the state to provide smart waste bins in the market to tackle indiscriminate waste disposal and improve sanitation.

Ilori said the government is committed to improving waste management and sanitation through community engagement and enforcement.