LG proscribes open defecation, defaulters risk jail term

Ganjuwa Local Government Council of Bauchi State has enacted by-laws criminalising open defecation with two-months imprisonment or a fine of N10,000 against defaulters in public places.

The by-law also provides a three-month imprisonment or a fine of N20,000 for any person or group of persons that construct any platform other than pit latrine or water closet for use as toilet.

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Speaking shortly after signing the by-law at the palace of the district head of Ganjuwa, the Chairman of Ganjuwa LGA, Alhaji Baba Gidado, said health personnel and traditional rulers in the area have been given all the support required to educate the public on the danger of open defecation.

Gidado enumerated various water schemes provided by UNICEF in the area including 300 hand pump boreholes, 50 motorised boreholes and 50 VIP latrines, saying, “my council needs more of such supports in future and would therefore enforce the law on open defecation preparatory to the validation exercise slated for march by UNICEF.”