The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) on Thursday said it is partnering with local councils and adopting proactive measures towards resolving issues of open defecation in highbrow Victoria Island in Lagos State.
Mr Emeka Ibeh, Chairman, Victoria Island Branch of NSE, made the revelation in an interview with the News Men in Lagos.
Ibeh said that open defecation is caused by inadequate toilet facilities which the branch has extensively researched into and designed solutions for implementation.
“When you have inadequate conveniences in any area, you are open to such a challenge. That is why you go to a place like Eko Hotel Roundabout, you will see some traces of open defecation at the bus stop there.
“When you have that as a problem, you cannot escape the challenge of open defecation. Our branch is working on policies relating to open defecation,’’ he said.
He said the branch had multiple corporate social responsibilities committee.
He advised the Lagos State Government to make more efforts at an enabling environment to drive investment in infrastructure that will provide more toilets in busy areas like bus stops, markets, and mechanic workshops.
He said people are usually tempted to use open spaces and available corners when they are pressed because of inadequate well-managed public facilities.
He said if government provides enabling environment for adequate facilities, it can be easy to enforce laws against open defecation.
He said he carried out a survey under the CMS Bridge and discovered that a facility there was not really serving its purpose because of inadequate maintenance.
He explained that the society had written a letter to the local government, making recommendations on how to resolve the issues to make the toilet attractive and safe to use.
He added that NSE was in the saddle to ensure engagement of the right investors as well as accurate designs that to meet specific needs of particular locations.
He said the branch was partnering with the state government on issues of flooding; refuse management so as not to duplicate efforts, adding that the branch has a committee called “Serve Our Society’’ which focuses on providing solutions on issues in its host Victoria community to enhance living and livelihoods.