Open defecation: Kwara raises health, environmental concerns

The Kwara State Government has raised concerns over the health and environmental dangers of open defecation, urging residents to adopt proper sanitation practices to safeguard public health.

The Commissioner for Water Resources, Usman Yunusa Lade, made this known during a sensitisation programme held at Oja-Tuntun market in Ilorin, organised by the Kwara for Kwarans Initiative in collaboration with the State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA).

Delivering the keynote address, Lade explained that open defecation contributes significantly to the spread of diseases and plays a role in worsening climate change.

The commissioner commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his efforts in constructing public toilets across the state, noting that such interventions are critical to promoting safe sanitation.

Lade called on Non-Governmental Organisations to complement the state government’s efforts at eradicating poor sanitation, while appealing to individuals to take responsibility for maintaining clean surroundings as a means of sustaining public health gains.

Earlier, the Convener of the Initiative, Anjorin Babatunde, said the programme was designed to sensitise market men, women and shop owners on the dangers of open defecation, appreciating the presence and support of government representatives and other key stakeholders, particularly the Ministry of Water Resources.

In his remarks, the General Manager of RUWASSA, Olorunfemi Oladipo, encouraged traders to desist from open defecation both in the market and at home, stressing the importance of hygienic practices.

In his response, Chairman of the Oja-Tuntun market, Moshood Funsho, appreciated the Commissioner’s visit and appealed for improved water supply systems within the market, while also requesting additional public toilets and the provision of trash bins to ensure proper waste disposal.

Similarly, a representative of Kwara State Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Damilola Adebayo, urged the market community to prioritise hygiene and mobilise others towards achieving safe sanitation for all.

Participants during the sensitisation programme included traders, stakeholders and government officials who were united in the call to end open defecation and promote healthier communities across Kwara State.