Residents, commuters and motorists have expressed concern over the increasing rate of open defecation along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, calling on government authorities to urgently address the situation.

Those who spoke in separate interviews on Saturday in Mowe area of Ogun State identified the affected locations as road medians and roadsides stretching from Kara through Pakuro, Ibafo and Mowe to the Sagamu Interchange.

They explained that the practice had become increasingly common along those sections of the expressway.

A commuter, Adeola Famakinwa, described the development as a serious public health and environmental challenge capable of exposing residents and travellers to disease outbreaks and unpleasant conditions.

He lamented that the unsanitary practice had defaced the corridor, creating offensive odours and leaving a poor impression on visitors and motorists using the busy highway.

“I want to appeal to the appropriate authority to as a matter of urgency find a lasting solution to the menace. A task force on monitoring should be set up immediately to oversee what’s happening along the corridor and develop reasonable solution to the problem,” he said.

A resident of Adesan in the Mowe axis, Johnson Dickson, attributed the situation to inadequate public toilet facilities and poor enforcement of environmental sanitation regulations along the corridor.

Mr Dickson urged the Federal and Ogun State governments to provide functional public conveniences at strategic locations to discourage the practice.

A transporter, Olasunkanmi Babalola, identified street urchins popularly known as “area boys,” street hawkers, as responsible open defecation in the axis.

Mr Babajide appealed to relevant agencies to intensify public enlightenment campaigns on the health implications of open defecation and the importance of proper sanitation.

A bank worker, Femi Alao, called for stricter monitoring and enforcement of environmental laws, including sanctions against individuals found engaging in open defecation along the expressway.

“I have the believe that prompt government intervention will improve sanitation, protect public health and restore the cleanliness and aesthetic value of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway corridor,” he said.

(NAN)