By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata, Adeola Samuel, and Anifowoshe Oladipupo
Residents of Gwarinpa, Abuja, have raised alarm over the rising cases of open defecation in the area, describing it as a public health and environmental hazard that also threatens local businesses.
In a street interview, a trader, who pleaded anonymous, expressed frustration over the situation, noting that the offensive odour and poor hygiene pose risks of diseases such as cholera.
“Open defecation is bad for the environment. The smell alone makes people uncomfortable and can cause sickness. For those of us who sell things, it’s not good for business,” she said.
She added that the habit sends the wrong message to children and called on the government to provide more public toilets that are clean and accessible.
“What’s the use of having toilets if people won’t use them? The government should build more and maintain them,” she said.
Residents appealed to the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), to step up sanitation efforts and enforce measures to curb open defecation across Gwarinpa and other parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
