Abuja-based firm, Just Fix IT Synergy Nigeria Limited has urged the federal and state governments to embrace the moveable toilet concept to end open defecation in the country.
The company’s Managing Director, Mr Mekwunye Kidochukwu, who met with media personnel in Lagos, said beyond advocacy for Nigerians on the dangers of engaging in open defecation, all the levels of government should adopt moveable toilets in cities, parks, public institutions, bus-stops, worship centres, and universities to further guarantee safer health of citizens.
He expressed worries that Nigeria is now ranked number one in open defecation globally due to the non-availability of moveable toilets at strategic locations for use, especially in towns and cities.
Kidochukwu said: “Moveable toilet is a facility connected to a sewage line or soak-away for the movement of wastes. Most moveable toilets are made with plastic and not resistant to sun and rain hence, wear and tear is faster. What we have is environmentally friendly materials like wall tiles for internal walls and fibre cement boards for external walls or plastered polystyrene sheets for insulation.
He urged the Clean Nigeria Campaign Office under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to embrace the concept and end open defecation by providing the infrastructure and awareness on the implications of open defecation to human health and the environment.
“If the government can partner with private investors, open defecation can be tackled. In terms of job creation, to build each toilet, you need six artisans and so, if the government invests in it, the number of employment that will be generated will be in the thousands.
“The facility is affordable, ranging from N600,000 for single units depending on the sizes and facilities like solar system and shower. They can last up to 50 years,” he said.
Kidochukwu expressed concern that most Nigerians still prefer to use the nearest bush or river to defecate rather than use a moveable toilet in their vicinity, adding that the development has affected patronage.
