Open Defecation :Ogun Govt To Begin Massive Enforcement, Prosecution Of Offenders

Ogun State Government says it will soon begin massive enforcement and prosecution of offenders after the present sensitization campaign against the practice with its Lagos State counterpart, as part of strategic moves to permanently put a stop at open defecation in the state especially in its border towns 

The move is to bring the offenders to justice for their action as well as prevent outbreak of communicable diseases such cholera and diarrhea in the state especially in border towns of Mowe, Magboro, Warewa,Kara and Isheri.

Already a joint sensitization campaign is ongoing between the two states on the border towns before massive enforcement begins to curb the menace.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency OGEPA,Dr Oluwadare Kehinde made the announcement during a joint press briefing with its Lagos State counterpart Dr Tunde Ajayi at Berger in Lagos 

Kehinde said the enforcement team would start operation at the end of the sensitization campaign and they which will work in shifts to apprehend and prosecute offenders with relevant environmental laws.

"This will to serve as deterent to others as anyone caught will face the wrath of the law.A situation where people defecate openly in open places especially on the medians of roads on these border towns are not acceptable to the Ogun State government so the need for a lasting solution which has to do with enforcement and prosecution if this latest appeals and sensitization failed to yield the desired results."

"This step becomes necessary as Ogun state governments has newly constructed several public toilets across the state including the border towns as credible alternative,so anyone caught will not be spared"

"More concerning is the health  implications of this open defecation on the residents of the state as they portray the state in bad light which will not be tolerated"

Kehinde therefore warned those still practicing open defecation to turn a new leave by patronizing public toilets near them or face the consequences of their action as to be forewarned is to be forearmed.

For the General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency LASEPA,Dr Babatunde Ajayi there is the need to raise awareness among residents of the border towns of the two states on the danger of open defecation.

He added that there would be be special focus on the median from OPIC Plaza,Kara, Berger, Otedola Bridge inward Lagos end of the newly rehabilitated Lagos - Ibadan Expressway  saying that  the cleaning of the median of human faeces has began as there will be enforcement to sustain the efforts.