Taraba: Human Feces Litters Pedestrian Bridges in Jalingo

By Musa Rhapsodi Affos

Despite concerted efforts by the Taraba State Government to maintain cleanliness across the metropolis, the persistent issue of public defecation on pedestrian bridges continues to undermine these initiatives.

Recent visits to some of the pedestrian bridges in Jalingo, particularly at the RoadBlock and New Era junctions, revealed disturbing scenes of human feces littering these structures. The unsanitary conditions have not only made these bridges unpleasant for pedestrians but also pose significant health risks.

The Taraba State Government has invested in employing sanitary workers to keep the majority of streets in the metropolis clean and other Local Government too. However, the practice of open defecation on pedestrian bridges remains a serious challenge. This issue highlights a gap in public awareness and enforcement of sanitary regulations.

Rhapsodi Affos Blog reporters who visited the sites also observed stagnant water accumulating on the bridges, further exacerbated by the blockage caused by feces and other debris. The clogged layouts prevent proper drainage, creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other pests, and increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.

Residents have expressed their frustration over the state of these pedestrian bridges. “It’s disheartening to see our city in such a condition,” said a local shop owner near New Era junction. “We need more public toilets and stricter enforcement of sanitation laws.”

Public defecation is not just a sanitary issue but also reflects deeper societal challenges, including inadequate public infrastructure and a lack of public education on hygiene practices. Addressing this problem requires a multifaceted approach, including the provision of more public restrooms, regular cleaning schedules, and public awareness campaigns about the importance of maintaining cleanliness in shared spaces.

The government is urged to take immediate action to clean the affected bridges and implement measures to prevent future occurrences. Meanwhile, residents are encouraged to report any instances of public defecation to the authorities and to use designated public toilets.

The situation calls for collective responsibility from both the government and the citizens to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone.

Photo Credit: Rhapsodi Affos Blog Reporter

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