LAGOS — THE Lagos State House of Assembly, yesterday, tasked the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources to enforce environmental laws against open defecation and provide free public toilets across the state.

The members, who took turns, emphasized the need for an extensive and sustained awareness campaign to educate residents on the dangers of open defecation, saying it is injurious to health and hampers economic growth.

Raising the issue under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’, Stephen Ogundipe representing Oshodi-Isolo 1, warned that open defecation tarnishes Lagos’ reputation and hampers sustainable development.

Ogundipe said: “Open defecation poses a direct threat to public health, adding that efforts must be made to involve all stakeholders in promoting good health.”

In his remarks, the lawmaker representing Badagry 1, Bonu Solomon, advocated the arrest of destitute on the streets who are contributing to the sanitation crisis, urging local government chairmen to support state efforts in maintaining cleanliness.

Also, Mr Aro Moshood representing Ikorodu 2, said: “Many of the riverine areas are used for open defecation. Open refuse has also taken over the streets of Lagos.”

He also lamented that marketers and coordinators at Mile 12 markets are not helping the government in any way possible.

On her part, the Speaker of the House, Princess Mojisola Meranda condemned the practice, stressing the urgent need for improved sanitation infrastructure.

She said: “We need to be responsible while using the toilet to make it convenient for others to use”