Poor sanitary condition like the one in the picture below is common in many parts of Nigeria.
Serious sanitation challenges is all around you, where ever you look.
We spoke to an adult who has just finished defecating openly. He explained that this is the only way available to him, when he need to answer the call of nature.
open defecation
Some new houses are still being constructed without any toilet facility.
New houses with no toilet facility
Two boys we spoke to said that lack of toilet facilities at home, means all members of their family walk up to one kilometre to find an open space to defecate.
Children with no toilet facilities at home.
We spoke to a young boy, who said he knows what a toilet is, but has never used one in his life. Since he was born, his toilet has always been the rubbish mound near his house.
A boy who has never used a toilet
At a community in Adangba area in Kwara state, Nigerian a 30 year old dilapidated public toilet, serves over 50 households.
30 year old community toilet
65-year old Kuburat Nuhu and her 70 year old husband, Mohammed Nuhu house’s house is right by the community toilet. The absence of repairs or maintenance of the communal toilet meant unpleasant odour lingers around their home constantly.
Kuburat Nuhu
A typical bathroom at Kuburat Nuhu’s community.
A typical bathroom at Kuburat Nuhu’s community.
There was an outbreak of cholera in Mrs Nuhu’s neighbourhood recently. Twelve was a report of twelve fatalities within five days, as a result of the outbreak. The sanitation and hygiene condition in many areas need to be improved to reduce the chances diseases like cholera.
