Monitoring Wash-Related Infractions in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria Using Web GIS Platform

This study addressed critical challenge of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) infractions, with particular focus on open defecation and illegal refuse dumping in the Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos, Nigeria. These infractions contribute to environmental degradation and public health crises. The study aimed at identifying, mapping, and developing a Web GIS application for monitoring WASH infractions. A comprehensive census approach was used to collect precise geographic coordinates of all open defecation spots and illegal refuse dump sites via GPS-enabled smartphones. The collected data were integrated into GIS environment and used to develop a Web GIS application for reporting and monitoring. The study revealed a total of 17 open defecation spots and 40 illegal refuse dump sites across the study area. The study concludes that a Web GIS approach is a viable solution for managing WASH infractions. The application provides a platform for data-driven decision-making and empowers residents and authorities to enhance environmental surveillance. The study demonstrates how technology can serve as a scalable model for addressing urban WASH challenges and improving public health and governance. The paper recommends launching targeted awareness campaigns in WASH infraction hotspots, training community members to report issues using the Web GIS application, constructing public toilets in high open-defecation areas, and establishing formal waste collection points in illegal dumping zones to foster a cleaner and healthier Surulere LGA