'88,000 practice open defecation; epidemic looms' - Cross River LG raises alarm

Dr. Fred Okem, chairman of Yala Local Government Area in Cross River State, lamented that 88,000 residents practice open defecation, warning of a looming epidemic. He presented the state's Open Defecation Law to councillors for adoption as a by-law, granting a six-month grace period before enforcement. The local government is partnering with Toilet Pride Initiative to provide affordable toilets. RUWATSA General Manager Sunday Ebeku noted that Governor Bassey Otu signed the law and warned that violators face jail time.