Public Health: Imo Assembly Demands Adequate Toilet Facilities to End Open Defecation

The Imo State House of Assembly has adopted a motion urging the state government to provide adequate toilet facilities in both private and public establishments. The motion was moved by Hon. Princewill Amuchie, representing the Aboh-Mbaise state constituency.
Amuchie observed that private and public toilet facilities in the state had become dilapidated and abandoned, leading to open defecation in parts of the state. “The practice of open defecation is rampant in schools, markets, motor parks, and bus stops,” he said.
The lawmaker noted that the situation was dire, citing the Owerri Correctional Centre, which he said did not have a septic tank for evacuating faeces. “The prison was built for only 800 inmates, but today, there are over 3,000 inmates. How do they evacuate their waste?” he asked.
Amuchie quoted the 2021 Wash National Outcome Routine Mapping Report, which stated that about 48 million Nigerians still defecate in the open, while only 10 per cent of the population has access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services. “This is a frightening anomaly. Open defecation breeds diseases and leaves society at the mercy of dangerous outbreaks of diseases,” he said.
The lawmaker commended Governor Hope Uzodimma’s efforts in the fight against open defecation. “The governor has shown a desire to fight open defecation, which contaminates our waterways and contributes to environmental health hazards and maintain standard environmental measures for health and safety inclusive of ease of commerce,” he said.
Amuchie called on his colleagues to support the motion, stating that he had planned a state summit to bring together stakeholders and bodies to chart a way forward for the attainment of a State Open Defecation Free status.
Hon. Clinton Amadi, representing Owerri Municipal, seconded the motion, calling for reorientation and enforcement in the fight against open defecation. “Without enforcement and compliance to correct this anomaly, the needed result might not be achieved,” he said.
Other lawmakers, including Hon. Emeka Ozurumba, representing Isu state constituency, contributed to the debate, calling for the reintroduction of sanitary inspectors and severe sanctions for those who violate the law.
The Speaker, Chike Olemgbe, put the motion to a vote, and it was unanimously adopted. He directed the Clerk, Mrs. Chinelo Emeghara, to communicate the resolution of the House to the governor.
The adoption of the motion is seen as a significant step towards addressing the issue of open defecation in Imo State.