The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo, has taken a significant step towards combating open defecation in the state.
The lawmakers have passed a resolution calling for the construction of public toilet facilities across all 23 local government areas.
The move, they said, is aimed at improving sanitation and hygiene, promote a cleaner environment, and provide convenient facilities for citizens, ultimately reducing open defecation.
The lawmakers emphasized the importance of regular monitoring, evaluation, and active participation from relevant ministries and stakeholders in the fight against open defecation.
By working together, they hope to create a healthier environment for residents and make a positive impact on the state’s sanitation landscape.
The construction of public toilets is expected to provide accessible facilities for citizens, further reducing the incidence of open defecation.
The resolution was prompted by a motion introduced by Deputy Speaker Adolphus Timothy Orubienimigha on the floor of the house today.
In his motion, Orubienimigha urged the house to mandate the Ministry of Health and Environment to jointly develop a comprehensive action plan aimed at completely eliminating open defecation in the state.
He called for a collaborative effort between the two ministries to tackle the issue and create a more sanitary and healthy environment for residents.
He also urged the State Government to allocate funds for the speedy implementation of the action plan, including the construction of public toilets.
Leader of the House, Sokari Goodboy Sokari, while seconding the motion as moved by the Deputy Speaker, condemned the act of open defecation and described the motion as timely.
However, Speaker, Oko-Jumbo at the end of the debate on the motion said the prayers are in tandem with the motion.
He, however, amended some of the prayers called on traditional council leaders, private organizations and NGOs to support the speedy implementation of the action plan on open defecation.
All members present voted in favour of the resolution through a voice vote.
Also, the Rivers State Vocational and Technical Training Institute Bill 2024 passed its first reading on the floor of the house and it was proposed by the Deputy Speaker, Hon Adolphus Orubienimigha.
The bill seeks the establishment of a comprehensive training institute where Rivers youths, including women, can access to learn and acquire requisite and industry-based skills to become self-reliant or employable where such skills are needed.
The House also received a petition from the Ataba Community in Andoni Local Government Area over the ongoing land dispute between Bonny and Ataba communities, with the speaker referring the petition to the Committee on Public Complaints headed by the member representing Ahoada West State Constituency and Leader of the House, Hon Sokari Goodboy Sokari.