The Growing Menace of Open Defecation in Kano: A Call for Urgent Action
By H.Y. Sa’id MIAENG, MNCS, MNATE
Environmental Laws Fail to Curb Sanitation Crisis
Despite stringent environmental laws aimed at curbing pollution, Kano State continues to grapple with a severe public health crisis caused by widespread open defecation. The problem is particularly acute in rapidly expanding settlements and Almajiri schools, where the absence of proper sanitation facilities forces residents and students to resort to defecating in open spaces, uncompleted buildings, and garbage dumps.
Policy Implementation vs. Enforcement Challenges
The Kano State government has implemented robust policies targeting pollution, improper waste disposal, and open defecation in alignment with Nigeria’s National Policy on the Environment. However, weak enforcement in underserved communities and inadequate urban planning have undermined these efforts, leaving many residents without access to proper sanitation facilities.
Water Quality and Infrastructure Gaps
While the Kano State Water Supply Policy mandates strict water quality standards and the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) regulates urban expansion, many new settlements still lack basic infrastructure. The absence of proper sewage systems continues to make open defecation a daily reality for thousands of residents.
Key Agencies and Their Roles
Several government bodies are tasked with environmental regulation:
- KASEPPA: Oversees environmental compliance and public toilet construction
- KN-WECCMA: Addresses environmental hazards like erosion and flooding
Despite these agencies, the critical issue of missing sanitation facilities in Almajiri schools persists, exposing thousands of students to health risks.
Public Health Impacts and Community Concerns
Residents report unbearable conditions during rainy seasons when stagnant water mixes with human waste, creating foul odors and increasing risks of waterborne diseases. “Our children play near these dirty places, and we fear for their health,” lamented Malam Ibrahim, a resident of Walawa in Hotoro North Nassarawa LGA.
Urgent Recommendations
To address this growing sanitation crisis, experts recommend:
- Strict enforcement of sanitation laws in all educational institutions
- Increased construction of public toilets in high-risk areas
- Comprehensive public awareness campaigns
- Stronger penalties for environmental violations
As Kano maintains its position as a major commercial and cultural hub, decisive action is needed to prevent sanitation failures from undermining public health and the state’s reputation.
Full credit to the original publisher: Kano Focus