The Growing Menace of Open Defecation in Kano: A Call for Urgent Action
Environmental Laws Fail to Address Sanitation Crisis
Despite the introduction of stringent environmental laws aimed at curbing pollution, the persistent issue of open defecation in Kano continues to pose a severe public health and sanitation crisis. 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.
New Environmental Policies, Persistent Problems
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, enforcement remains weak, particularly in underserved communities where urban planning deficiencies and lack of public toilets persist.
Water Quality Standards and Urban Development Challenges
While the Kano State Water Supply Policy mandates strict water quality monitoring and the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) regulates urban expansion, many new settlements still lack basic infrastructure. This systemic failure leaves thousands without access to proper sanitation facilities.
Key Agencies and Their Responsibilities
Several government bodies are tasked with environmental regulation:
- KASEPPA: Oversees environmental compliance and public toilet construction
- KN-WECCMA: Addresses erosion, flooding, and climate change impacts
Despite these agencies, Almajiri schools housing thousands of students remain without functional toilets, forcing children into unsanitary practices that endanger public health.
The Human Impact of Sanitation Failures
Residents describe unbearable conditions during rainy seasons when stagnant water mixes with human waste, creating health hazards and foul odors. “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 Solutions Needed
To combat this crisis, experts recommend:
- Strict enforcement of sanitation laws in all educational institutions
- Expansion of public toilet infrastructure in high-risk areas
- Comprehensive public health education campaigns
- Stronger penalties for environmental violations
As Kano’s commercial and cultural reputation grows, addressing these sanitation challenges becomes increasingly critical to protect public health and maintain the state’s development progress.
By H.Y. Sa’id MIAENG, MNCS, MNATE
Full credit to the original publisher: Kanofocus