Cross River Local Government Warns of 88,000 Practicing Open Defecation, Citing Looming Epidemic

By Emma Una, CALABAR

Dr. Fred Okem, Chairman of Yala Local Government Area in Cross River State, has expressed concern over the high prevalence of open defecation among residents and warned that an epidemic could arise if the practice continues.

During a meeting with councillors, Dr. Okem presented the Cross River State law on Open Defecation, urging the council to adopt it as a by‑law. He noted that the area’s elevated rates of waterborne diseases are linked to open defecation and cautioned that after the six‑month grace period granted by the law, homes without toilets would face legal action.

“Yala was one of the first local government areas in the country to achieve open defecation‑free status in 2018. Unfortunately, the situation has deteriorated, with nearly 90% of the population still defecating outdoors,” he said. “We are working to restore Yala to its former status, ensuring every home, market, and school has a toilet.”

Dr. Okem announced a partnership with the Toilet Pride Initiative to provide affordable toilet facilities, urging community members to participate in building new toilets to curb open defecation.

“Human waste can be seen as manure for soil and food for some animals and birds, but it also carries diseases and bacteria such as cholera and guinea worm, which are harmful to human health. Therefore, we must stop the practice,” he added.

Sunday Ebeku, General Manager of the Cross River State Rural Water and Sanitation Agency (RUWATSA), said that Governor Bassey Otu has signed the Open Defecation Law and other sanitary laws with the aim of improving the state’s sanitary and health standards. He urged everyone to align with the government’s agenda for societal well‑being.

“Those who live along the riverbank often defecate into the river and its banks. When it rains, the waste is washed into the water, which people then drink. The water may appear clean, but it can cause serious health problems,” he warned.

He stated that after the six‑month grace period, individuals who continue to defecate in the open or live in homes without toilets will face imprisonment.

Dr. Okem called on residents to take advantage of the provision of inexpensive toilet facilities and loans from a partnering bank to acquire a toilet. “Yala in Cross River and Makoda in Kano State are the two local government areas where the Toilet Pride Initiative is implementing the program. We are fortunate to be part of this initiative, and we should embrace it to improve our healthcare,” he said.

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