Environment
Open Defecation: WaterAid Tasks Landlords On Decent Toilets
WaterAid has advised house owners to ensure they construct decent toilets while building houses to prevent open defecation across the country.
The Acting Country Director of WaterAid, Mrs Evelyn Mere gave in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
Mere said that house owners should make construction of decent toilets as their priority while building houses in a particular area.
According to her, about 2.3 billion people do not have a decent toilet of their own; half of all schools in Nigeria are without access to basic toilet or clean water.
“I thereby advise that if anybody wants to rent a house in any area, please check and be sure that such house has decent toilet.
“Any house that does not have toilet, no matter the amount of money you are renting the house, don’t border paying for such house.
“Lack of toilet encourages people to defecate anywhere; any house that does not have toilet is dangerous for everyone.
“Most people across the country live without a toilet. They risk their health to various diseases such as diarrheal, cholera among others and these can quickly cause death,” she said.
Mere said that clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene services transform lives and improve livelihoods.
She said that sensitising people, landlords and landladies, institutions and various schools on the importance of decent toilets, sanitation and hygiene would improve the lives of people across the country.
She urged relevant stakeholders to improve on effective sensitisation on the importance of building decent toilets at homes and the need to maintain them.
“Ensuring available and sustainable management of water and sanitation will go a long way to achieve SDGs six.
“This task is for everyone, we should join hands to make sure we achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation.
“As well as paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations,” she said.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Thursday, launched an awareness campaign, aimed at educating residents on the increasing impact of climate change.
The campaign also seeks to enlighten residents on the urgent need for personal and community protection measures.
During the launch in Uyo on Thursday, the Akwa Ibom Director of NOA, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, said that the campaign aims at enlightening residents, about the changes in weather patterns.
He said that this includes unpredictable rise in temperatures, and how these changes threaten public health across the state.
Mkpoutom noted that the current weather was not harmattan, but an extreme form of air pollution, which is harmful to health as it could cause oxidative stress which affects body balance.
“Our environment is changing rapidly, and the effects are evident in the disruptions faced by our communities.
“It is paramount that every citizen of Akwa Ibom understands these changes and take necessary steps to protect themselves, their families, and their livelihoods,” he said.
He appealed to citizens to take the following precautions which include wearing of nose mask, drinking sufficient water, covering of food and water to keep away dust, washing fruits thoroughly before eating, among others.
He directed all NOA structures within the state to engage with local communities through town hall meetings and collaboration.
He also urged engagement with schools and community leaders, to disseminate vital information on early warning signs, as well as safety protocols during extreme weather conditions.
The Chairman of Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Ms Surah Animashaun, has urged traders of Aiyetoro and Oluwo fish markets to consistently ensure a hygienic trading environment.
She urged the traders to maintain cleanliness and observe proper environmental sanitation in the markets.
Animashaun said this during a visit to some of the market areas in Epe on Saturday.
She said that clean markets were critical to public health.According to her, poor sanitation could lead to the outbreak of communicable diseases, especially in fish markets, where waste management must be handled with extra care.
The council chairman urged traders to dispose of refuse appropriately, avoid indiscriminate dumping of waste, and ensure regular cleaning of stalls and surroundings
She noted that environmental hygiene is a collective responsibility, adding that everyone should be involved in this development.
Animashaun also warned that the local government would not hesitate to enforce existing environmental laws, including sanctions against defaulters.
She assured traders of the council’s commitment to providing adequate waste disposal facilities and regular monitoring to sustain a clean and healthy market environment.
The council boss also urged traders to desist from selling by the roadside, so as to avoid accidents, noting that several motor accidents had occurred along the Aiyetoro market area.
“We, therefore, urge traders to stop selling on the roadside,” she said.
President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mrs Margaret Oguntala, has inaugurated the construction of 18 units residential terrace in highbrow Alausa area of Lagos toward bridging the nation’s shelter gap.
-
Sports3 days agoTinubu Lauds Super Eagles’ after AFCON bronze triumph
-
Sports3 days agoFulham Manager Eager To Receive Iwobi, Others
-
Sports3 days agoAFCON: Lookman gives Nigeria third place
-
Sports3 days ago“Mikel’s Influence Prevent Some Players Invitation To S’Eagles Camp”
-
Sports3 days agoMan of The Match award Excites Nwabali
-
Sports3 days agoRemo, Ikorodu set for NPFL hearing, Today
-
Sports3 days agoPolice Games: LOC inspects facilities in Asaba
-
Niger Delta3 days agoINC Polls: Ogoriba Pledges To Continuously Stand For N’Delta Rights … Picks Presidential Form