Imo State House of Assembly Abolishes Pit Latrines in Schools

The Imo State House of Assembly has
passed a resolution abolishing the use of pit latrines in  Schools and residential homes within the next one year in the State.

Adopting the motion for the eradication of pit latrines in all schools in the State, the House of Assembly resolved that the ministries of
Health and Environment must enforce the abolition and replacement with modern sanitary closets in all schools and homes.

The Chief sponsor of the motion and member representing Aboh Mbaise state constituency, Barrister (Mrs) Ngozi pat-Ekeji argued that only living and healthy children would enjoy the free education which the State government has instituted.

Hon. Ngozi pat-Ekeji narrated the pitiable story of how a school pupil fell into a pit latrine and lost her  life while trying to ease herself. The Honourable member observed
that many schools lack toilet facilities thereby exposing school children to environment polluted with human waste which could pose a
serious health threat to the children.

Mrs. Pat-Ekeji who is also the minority leader therefore pleaded with her colleagues to
adopt the motion bearing in mind the expected increase in school envrolment in the State and the attendant health and security
implications of public pit latrines in the situation.

 Hon Sam – Daddy Anyanwu who represents Ikeduru constituency described the motion as a passionate one and even recalled that when he was the local government chairman of Ikeduru L.G.A, that he built a number of ventilated improved Pit (VIP toilets) in schools and in all the major markets in the area, pointing out that his desire then was to provide and protect the health, safety and
dignity of the people of his community.

Hon. Prime Robertson Ekwebelem representing Onuimo constituency
supported the abolition of pit latrine and its replacement with modern toilet facilities in schools and houses in the State.

Also the House members representing Ahiazu Mbaise constituency and the member for Isi–ala Mbano constituency (Hon Mrs. Adaku Ihuoma and Hon Simeon Iwunze) aligned themselves with the submissions of their colleagues in favour of the motion and called for the passage of it.  Dr. Obinna Ekennia of the Ezinihitte Mbaise Constituency advised the Chief sponsor to re-mould her prayer for the smooth sailing of he motion and quickly the chief sponsor complied.

When Speaker of the Assembly Rt.Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogu put the motion to vote, it was accepted overwhelmingly and  adopted unanimously  by the House.