Public urination is very common in our society. Though it’s a thing of the two genders, but…most especially the male. Environmental sanitation shouldn’t be just about clearing of refuse; there should also be a concern of what we inhale as well. It is very noticeable that some men don’t care. Yes, these categories of people stand at places where everyone can easily spot them peeing. Is that how you do it?
Although urinating publicly is unhygienic, it is the norm in our society. This menace has no class; it has nothing to do with whether you’re educated or not. Have you noticed how some men would come out of their car, face the culvert to urinate? They also have their female versions.
Meanwhile, many corners of the road, public walls stink due to public urination. Some spots have even turned green; the odour being perceived is always inexplicable. It is a threat to human health — the smell of urine is a great contributor to environmental pollution which makes us inhale an unpleasant atmosphere.
It is possible to get infected or fall ill from perceiving foul odour all the time because bacteria can be present in urine. When the ground gets contaminated, flies and insects become attracted to affected areas. Bacteria can be further spread through touching objects, water, walking on bare feet and working on polluted soil.
If you reside or work in an environment where people rarely do without urinating just anywhere, you are at risk of getting infected with diseases. Don’t be surprised if you fall ill after eating or drinking by the roadside; it could be from the flies that surrounded you. Children are not left out of being victims of poor sanitation which can lead to cholera and diarrhea.
How do we get out of this, you ask? You and I are the immediate solution. Government and Non-Governmental Organizations can embark on rigorous sensitisation on how public urination is a threat to health.