The Dearth of public conveniences in the state BY PRICILLA CHRISTOPHER

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.