As part of efforts to tackle environmental problems, the Rivers State Polytechnic, Bori, has stated its determination to check the trend of environmental problems within its available resources.

Making this known during the opening ceremony of a two-day training programme on Ecological Sanitation in Riverine Communities of the lower Niger, the Rector of Rivpoly, Professor T.G. Sokari said the programme organized by the school and the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, is geared towards building the capacity of community leaders on environmental issues.

According to him, the Polytechnic has qualified sanitary engineers, environmental microbiologists, as well as other scientists that could effectively manage waste capable of polluting the rivers and streams in the state.

He lauded the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) for partnering with Rivers State University of Science and Technology and Rivpoly  on environmental issues.

Presenting a paper at the workshop, Mrs I. Kakulu, presented a prototype of a fabricated toilet equipment as part of an indigenous technology.

She pointed out that the idea for the equipment was aimed at phasing out pit latrines and make-shift toilets in riverine communities.

She stated that the Polytechnic will soon produce locally-made toilet equipment in large members that would be used in riverine communities.

Sogbeba Dokubo