By Peter Dansu In response to a deadly cholera outbreak in the Zongo Community of Gbethrome, Badagry West LCDA, the Lagos State Government...
By Peter Dansu
In response to a deadly cholera outbreak in the Zongo Community of Gbethrome, Badagry West LCDA, the Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning: homes without proper toilet facilities may be demolished.
Dr. Oladapo Asiyanbi, the Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Health District V, made this clear during a recent cholera sensitisation campaign held with local stakeholders in the community. The campaign followed the confirmation of 54 cholera cases in Zongo, with 14 of them resulting in death.
“We can’t bring back the lives we’ve lost, but we can prevent more deaths,” Asiyanbi stated. “Any building without a toilet facility will be pulled down. The health and safety of our residents must come first.”
The government is linking the outbreak to the widespread practice of open defecation in the area—a practice it says poses a major public health risk. According to Asiyanbi, flies from uncovered toilets can spread cholera by contaminating food and water sources, making open defecation a serious offence under Lagos State law.
Sanitarian Officers have been directed to begin inspecting all buildings in the community, with a particular focus on those lacking toilets. The government also warned that privately operated toilets without valid licences will face legal action.
To prevent further infections, residents have been urged to install proper toilets with covers, as mandated by the state. Asiyanbi also stressed the importance of maintaining a minimum 30-metre distance between toilets and homes or wells to avoid contamination.
He further appealed to community members to act quickly if someone begins stooling or vomiting—early treatment at the nearest Primary Health Centre could save lives.
Food vendors in Zongo were not left out of the warning. Asiyanbi advised them to undergo health screenings at least twice a year at their local PHCs to ensure they are not unknowingly spreading the disease.
“We all have a role to play in stopping the spread,” he said. “The time to act is now.”
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