Nature has made impossible the
endurance of wastes from the body such that one who is pressed will have no option
but to seek a convenience for relief. To be pressed however is not an issue as
to be pressed without a place to ease – up. The environment today stinks of
urine and feaces passed out by people who could not find a convenient place for
relief and could not afford to make it to the comfort of their homes.
Thus,
the issue of the lack of public convenience comes into play. Already, the word
‘public convenience’ sounds ridiculous and nauseating as its provisions and
conditions do not even appeal to the public. A typical public toilet is often
characterized by unkempt surroundings, insects and holes, unfriendly odour and
the excretion point itself which is liable to give out infection to users in
exchange for the simple waste they pass.
So
depressingly fruitless is the search for a respectable, well maintained loo in
many social gatherings, public functions and open places such as motor parks,
markets, ceremonies and other places that the urge to pollute the environment
at any slight chance is not toyed with.
For
most people, the choice of where to relieve themselves is not a choice at all,
but a total lack of other options. This is because there is either no toilet if
there are; they are in such deplorable state that squatting in public becomes
preferable. For example, the toilet at Uyo plaza (which would have been a
central point for convenience) is so ill maintained that even the dogs would
not like to go near it, much less humans. The terrible look of the closets, the
flooded floors, the provoking stench and the money one has to pay before being
treated to such unappealing sight is better experienced than described. The
same thing applies to the well known Akpan Andem Market, Akwa Ibom Transport
Corporation (AKTC) and other open places.
Asides
these deplorable ones, can the state boost of a public convenience? Streets and
gutters are daily messed with sizes and colours of feaces every morning that
those who live close are always forced to leave their homes with sighs and
hisses of discomfort.
What
has the Ministry of Environment and Health done about this? It should be noted
that the lack of public toilets and conveniences has also played a part in the
deteriorating health conditions of people as the act of trying to endure waste
in the body can give room for a bigger problem to occur.
Another
tasking challenge to tackle is how to maintain and manage a public convenience.
It is true that people who are not used to modern toilets are sure to make mess
of one. In this case, the service of a cleaner would be required, but at whose
cost? Well, if the public loo will be maintained and kept always, there is
little doubt the public will not enjoy using it at any moderate fee.
It is
feared that with no public toilet at all, people will get used to excreting in
the street; posing more threat to public health and adding to clean – up costs.
With the lack of any government funding directing a decent public convenience,
it leaves many decent people with very difficult decisions to make in times of
pressure especially those with long-time chronic diseases since waiting up
until they get home is not an option.
However,
the installation of a safe, clean, hygienic or ‘away from home’ toilets can
have a major economic value, encouraging visitors and tourists to travel to and
stay within those immediate areas, thereby bringing value and dignity to the
environment. Whereas, the lack of it can lead directly to a significant
increase in the cost of cleansing services.
It is
the sole duty of the government to provide, maintain and manage public
conveniences for her citizens as it is one of the most basic services which
people expect from them in return for the huge sums they pay as tax.
This
cankerworm which has eaten deep into the fabrics of the state should therefore
be arrested and prosecuted for the good of the state. The beauty and hygiene of
the state will be further appreciated if this issue is given immediate
attention.
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