By Kelvin Ololo
The Cross River State House of Assembly has scheduled a public hearing on the Open Defecation (Prohibition) Bill, 2025, signaling renewed legislative action to tackle one of the state’s most persistent public health and environmental challenges.
The hearing, organized by the House Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation, will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 2:00pm at the Mini Auditorium, Assembly Complex.
Open defecation remains a major source of water contamination and disease transmission, contributing to outbreaks of cholera, typhoid, diarrhea, and other sanitation-related illnesses. Public health experts warn that human waste deposited in open spaces is easily washed into rivers, streams, and wells, especially during the rainy season, placing entire communities at risk.
The proposed bill seeks to prohibit the practice across the state, promote the use of proper sanitation facilities, and strengthen hygiene standards in both urban and rural areas.
The lawmakers say the legislation will support ongoing sanitation programs, reduce preventable diseases, and improve environmental safety.
Adherence to the law, if passed, is expected to lower healthcare costs, protect vulnerable populations particularly children and enhance public dignity and safety. The bill will also align with broader national and global sanitation goals aimed at eliminating open defecation.
The public hearing is open to stakeholders, civil society groups, traditional institutions, and residents, offering a platform for input before the bill proceeds through the legislative process.
The Assembly said the initiative reflects its commitment to a people-centered approach to governance, emphasizing public health, environmental protection, and sustainable development.
Since You Are Here, Support Good JournalismCrossRiverWatch was founded on the ideals of deploying tech tools to report in an ethical manner, news, views and analysis with a narrative that ensures transparency in governance, a good society and an accountable democracy. Everyone appreciates good journalism but it costs a lot of money. Nonetheless, it cannot be sacrificed on the altar of news commercialization. Consider making a modest contribution to support CrossRiverWatch's journalism of credibility and integrity in order to ensure that all have continuous free access to our noble endeavor. CLICK HERE |
New Feature: Don't miss any of our news again.Get all our articles in your facebook chat box.Click the Facebook Messenger Icon below to subscribe now
Text Advert by CRWatch :Place Yours
Will You To Learn How To Make Millions Of Naira Making Special Creams From Your Kitchen?.Click Here
Expose Your Business And Make More Sales. Advertise On CrossRiverWatch.com Today
Leave feedback about this