Cross River Assembly Enacts Law Against Open Defecation

The Cross River State House of Assembly has officially enacted a law that prohibits open defecation.

This legislation seeks to eliminate open defecation in public areas and promote the use of adequate toilet facilities across the state, with the objective of enhancing sanitation and safeguarding public health.

The bill received approval after lawmakers examined a report submitted by the House Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation, presented by its Chairman, Kingsley Ntui, who represents the Etung State Constituency, during a session on Thursday.

Ntui indicated that approximately 47 million Nigerians still engage in open defecation, a practice that significantly contributes to the prevalence of waterborne diseases including cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid.

He acknowledged the efforts of the state government in combating open defecation and urged fellow legislators to champion sanitation initiatives within their respective districts.

Additionally, with support from the United Nations and Self Help Africa, eight local government areas in the state have been declared free from open defecation.

However, he highlighted several challenges that hinder the achievement of full open defecation-free status, including inadequate sanitation facilities, limited access to clean water, poverty, and a lack of public awareness.

In the course of the debate, lawmakers emphasized that the bill is in harmony with national and global goals directed towards eradicating open defecation. They expressed that this law will improve the cleanliness of the environment and enhance the general welfare of the state's residents.

Elvert Ayambem, the Speaker of the House, praised the committee for their diligent work and expressed contentment with the law's passage. He mentioned that this legislation will contribute to a cleaner environment and reaffirmed the Assembly's commitment to people-centered laws that benefit the populace.

According to a report from the News Agency of Nigeria, this bill is in alignment with the federal government's Water, Sanitation and Hygiene programs, which aim for safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services by the year 2030. This initiative also targets the achievement of open defecation- free communities.