Council decries effects of using rivers as latrine by residents, moves for good toilet facilities

Chairman of Akuku Toru Local Government Area, Mr. Rowland Sekibo, has decried the use of river as latrine by some residents in the area, lamenting the deadly effects.He, however, disclosed plans to provide good toilet facilities for the people of the area.

Sekibo, who spoke during a routine inspection, regretted that bad toilet system contaminates the water, causes diarrhoea and possibly leads to death.River latrine is a method of excreta disposal into the river.Findings by The Guardian revealed that residents of the area urinate and defecate into the river and still refresh, bath, wash and cook afterwards with the same river water.

The attitude however, may have followed the belief among residents that “flowing water” is always clean, unless the colour, smell and taste are changed.In the past, many people suffered various water -borne diseases including diarrhoea in the Council.

Meanwhile, the newly elected Local Council boss has described the system as very shameful, noting that it contributed to the pollution of rivers in the area and vowed to end the ugly system.Sekibo said, “We are partnering stakeholders to get land for the building of good toilet facility in the area. It is a shame that our people still use River latrine. You know this has contributed to the pollution of our River.”

He said the new toilet system maybe a bit challenging for the people to embrace but assured that they would appreciate it at the end. “It may be a bit challenging to change from the old toilet system but we assure our people that they will appreciate it when we conclude the project and when they start using it.”

Sekibo disclosed that the council and the State government were partnering with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) to provide portable water for ten communities in the area. The move according to him, would enable residents have access to good drinking water and also stay away from contaminated water.He noted that Governor Nyesom Wike has released funds for the completion of the water project, assuring that the scheme would be completed in no time.

The council boss who also inspected some of the electrical facilities in the area assured the people that the council is working tireless to restore power in the area. He explained power supply to the people remains one of his top priorities.Sekibo said plans are ongoing to replace the bad transformer in the area with a better one that will serve the community.He expressed hope that the internally generated revenue of the council would increase in his administration through a well articulated policies and programmes. “We will encourage fish farming in this riverine Council, purchase more commercial vehicles and boats that will generate revenue for the local government area.”