Chetanne Chinelo, Enugu
Determined to put an end to open defecation within the local government area, lawmakers of Udenu LGA of Enugu State have held a public hearing to pass the bye-law prohibiting open defecation and other related offences.
The public hearing which was held on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at the local government Council Hall attracted stakeholders of the LGA and dignitaries across different spheres of life, all of whom expressed their happiness with the legislators for what was described as “the timely nature of the bill”.
Speaking on behalf of the legislators, the Leader of the Udenu Legislative Council, Hon. Nnamdi Odo, thanked the public for the large turn out at the public hearing. He equally thanked the Chairman of the Local Government for his support to the legislators.
In his remarks, the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Eze Gideon Tochukwu, represented by the Secretary of the Local Government, assured that the Executive was very much ready to sign the bye-law into law once it was sent to him for assent.
Also speaking, the Udenu Divisional Police Officer alongside other security agencies assured of their readiness to help prosecute offenders once it received the assent of the council chairman.
Several Traditional rulers expressed happiness that their communities were carried along in the bill before the house.
The Bye-law is to prohibit Open Defecation and Related Offences in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, to prevent environmental and health hazards, regulate excreta disposal, promote usage of toilets by families and members of the public within the council area, while strengthening and sustaining Udenu LGA’s Open Defecation Free (ODF) status.