The Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) has commenced the prosecution of households in Jos South Local Government Area for failing to construct functional toilet facilities despite two years of sensitisation, sanitation education and follow-up efforts.
The enforcement exercise, led by the Director of Enforcement alongside Sanitation Officers, Mobile Courts, security personnel and Volunteer Hygiene Promoters (VHPs), was carried out simultaneously in Iyoh Gyel, Rankyen Gafang and Rahol Kak communities in Gyel District.
PEPSA said affected households had previously received abatement notices and were provided with technical and physical support to enable them to construct toilet facilities.
According to the agency, residents found to be in default were given the option of paying a fine or being confined until the fine was paid. They were also required to sign an undertaking to construct a functional toilet within seven days.
The agency said the enforcement exercise would continue for the next four days to ensure compliance and curb open defecation in the affected communities.
PEPSA explained that the campaign was aimed at eliminating open defecation, which contributes to the spread of diseases including cholera, typhoid and diarrhoea.
The agency urged residents in the affected communities to comply with the abatement notices by constructing functional toilet facilities within their homes before the deadlines stipulated in the notices.
