Cholera: LASG threatens to demolish buildings without toilet

The Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Health District V, Dr. Oladapo Asiyanbi, has vowed to demolish houses without toilets in Zongo Community in Gbethrome, Badagry West Local Council Development Area.

This followed the death of 14 persons as a result of cholera infections in the area.

The government warned against the dangers of open defecation, which it noted had been linked to the recent cholera outbreak in the area.

A Thursday statement noted that Asiyanbi gave the warning during a sensitisation campaign on cholera outbreak, held with key community stakeholders in Zongo Community Gbethrome recently.

Asiyanbi emphasised the severe health risks associated with open defecation, noting that it significantly contributed to the spread of cholera.

He urged residents to ensure that their homes had proper toilets with covers, as mandated by the Lagos State Government.

“He revealed that the community had already recorded about 54 confirmed cases of cholera, with 14 resulting in death. These cases have been traced to the widespread practice of open defecation within the Zongo community,” the statement said.

The Permanent Secretary, who had directed Sanitarian Officers to inspect all buildings within the community, particularly those without proper toilet facilities, warned that any private toilet operating without a valid licence would face legal action.

He said, “We cannot return lost lives, but we can rebuild houses. Any building without a toilet facility will be demolished because the Lagos State Government prioritises the health and safety of its residents.”

He further stressed that there should be a minimum distance of 30 metres between toilets and houses or wells.

 Asiyanbi described open defecation as a serious offence in Lagos State, explaining that cholera is often transmitted through flies from uncovered toilets, which contaminates food and water

He urged residents to take immediate action if anyone started stooling or vomiting by rushing the person to the nearest Primary Health Centre for first aid.

He also advised food vendors in the community to undergo health screenings at least twice a year at their local PHCs to ensure they were not carriers of cholera bacteria.