…. as the council is determined to punish defaulters according to the bye-law
On Tuesday, 16th January, 2024, a bill to extremely prohibit the culture of open defecation in Enugu South Local Government Area was passed into law by the Council Legislators with compulsory environmental clearance exercise or fine against defaulters.
The passing of the bill in Enugu South Legislative Chamber was well attended by the Councillors of the political wards.
According to the leader of the Council, Hon. Caleb Ani, he said that, the bye-law which came as an Executive Bill has made it mandatory on all household to provide improved latrine or water closet in their homes to check open defecation within the council area.
Also, the Committee Chairman on Environment, Hon. John Egbo who moved the motion on the flour of the house opined that, the objective of the bill on prohibition of open defecation was to halt open defecation in any part of the Council Areas, in order to promote public and personal health cum hygiene.
According to the bill, the law made it compulsory for landlords, markets, shops, public institutions àmong others to have improved toilet facilities and wash hand basins in their various buildings.
Furthermore, the law according to the bill also state that, any household without latrine, either traditional or improved including hand washing facility or drop hole-cover shall pay a fine of Twenty Thousand Naira (N20,000.00) only or one month imprisonment or both.
The law stated further that, any landlord or owner/occupier of premises of household or family who fails to provide sanitary-approved toilet and hand-washing facility in his/her premises shall attract a compulsory fine of Twenty -Five Thousand Naira (N25,000.00) only or imprisonment for two months.
Whereas, any institution, (School, health Center) both public and private without latrine is guilty of an offence and is liable to Twenty Thousand Naira (N20,000.00) fine or two to three months’ imprisonment and withdrawal of license of such institutions or both.
In addition, the law further empowers The Environmental Health Officer(s) WASH Officer(s) of Enugu South Local Government Council or any Law enforcement officer or any Officer of any institution(s) or body(ies) created under the Bye-Law to investigate defaulters, seal premises, whether residential or commercial that flouts the Law.
Speaking separately, the Deputy Leader of the House and Councillor representing Ugwuaji Ward 10, Hon. Ugwu Christian Ejike who adopted the bill and co-adopted by Hon. Michael Ogbodo representing Awkunanaw East Ward 8 commended the Bill, while describing open defecation as an uncivilized practice.
They maintained that, “the passage of the bill into Law is a new development within the environment of Enugu South, while adding that, the idea of the people of Enugu South throwing faeces about must be halted”.
Speaking shortly in his office, after the passage of the Bill, the Executive Chairman of the Council, Hon. Barr. Chimezie Robinson Nkwuo who also commended the efforts of the Councilors hinted that, “the habit of open defecation in the Council Area which in no doubts spreads some diseases that are unhealthy to the people will be discouraged by the New Law once assented to “.
He therefore, called on the people of Enugu South, especially Landlords, Owners of Institutions (Schools, Shopping Malls, Eateries, Parks, etc), to act according to the new law, as defaulters will not be pardoned.
Peoplesmind