Residents and commuters along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway are expressing dismay over the prevalence of open defecation despite the recently restored drainage system. Miscreants have been reportedly using the road median from Berger in Lagos State to Kara, Warewa, and Mowe in Ogun State for defecation, leading to an unpleasant and unhygienic environment.
The issue, highlighted by New Telegraph, has raised concerns about the potential health hazards and risks posed by the constant open defecation. The strong odors emanating from the area are not only embarrassing to residents but are also seen as a serious threat to personal hygiene.
Residents are urging the government to take immediate action to address the situation, emphasizing the need to prevent the spread of diseases such as cholera and dysentery. Tunde Adewale, a resident, expressed frustration, stating, “We are risking diseases such as cholera and dysentery. We cannot pretend as if we don’t know the dangers of allowing this to continue unchallenged.”
While there have been concerns about the availability of public toilets along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway corridor, our correspondent identified two public restrooms at the OPIC and Arepo sides of the route. However, attendants at these facilities mentioned that despite the availability of toilets, some individuals still choose to defecate in the open.
Akin, one of the attendants, stated, “We have tried to prevent them because we understand that a toilet has been provided for them, but they won’t listen. Sometimes, we go as far as firing catapults at anyone we see defecating there.”
Olayiwola Ogunsolu, a manager of one of the public toilets, suggested that government intervention and strict enforcement, including fines, could be effective in curbing open defecation. He said, “Until the government starts to arrest those engaging in open defecation, it may continue to occur. That is the only solution.”
Ola Oresanya, the Commissioner for Environment in Ogun State, acknowledged the issue and promised increased enforcement to address the problem. He stated, “We need to station people there permanently, and we are going to pay them. People need to see effective policing before they run away from there.”