Monday Ohi Asikhia

This study investigated the incidence of open defecation in Benin City using Egor Local Government Area as a case study. The survey research design was employed for the study. A total of 400 questionnaires were administered systematically to generate data from household heads, heads of motor parks, operator of public toilets and heads of cooperate bodies, while personal observation was done to see the availability of toilet facilities and clean water to residents in the area. Results showed that lack of toilet facilities, water and high cost of sinking borehole accounts majorly for the menace of open defecation in Benin City. Also, the study indicated a strong correlation between the outbreak of water borne diseases and open defecation in the place with a significant level of 0.05. It was also revealed that work places, markets and motor parks do not have adequate toilet facilities and this has increased open defecation in the study area. This study recommends that government should collaborate with NGOs and individuals to sustainably address the menace of open defecation through the provision of toilet facilities, public toilets and clean water in the area.