Environment
Coalition Seeks End To Water, Sanitation Crisis
A coalition of civil soci
ety organizations made up of the Society of Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN), the WASH journalist media network and Youth WASH network has called on the federal government to expedite action on the need to end the crisis in water and sanitation.
The group which met with the Minister for Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe in Abuja, recently, handed over a symbolic petition from the global “Keep Your Promises” campaign.
At the celebration of World Toilet Day last year, Water Aid and other nembers of the End Water Poverty Alliance joined a global coalition of over 200 organisations across the world to launch the keep your promises’ campaign.
The event, which was meant to advocate for an end to water and sanitation crisis saw many supporters around the globe take action throughout the year running.
They called on politicians and decision makers to make good their promises on sanitation and water to ensure the availability of the services to all.
The recent petition which was aimed to raise over one million signatures to enable the prioritization of water and sanitation in every development agenda will end at the United Nations General Assembly next week in New York.
In August 2013, the global “keep your promises’ petition hit the one million mark which include supporters of the campaign world wide, including water aid among others.
The minister, who was pleased to receive the petition gave the assurance of government in working towards the realization of improved access to safe and drinking water and sanitation for all.
With support from water aid Nigeria, more than 20,000 signatures have been collected at different Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) campaigns.
The presentation of the symbolic petition to the minister for water resources represents all such petitions gathered over time and underlines’ the call by the coalition on government to support the universal campaign in support of access to safe water for all.
According to the minister, despite the challenges facing such campaigns, every Nigerian was expected to play a part to ensure that government was able to deliver on the promises they have made to improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Thursday, launched an awareness campaign, aimed at educating residents on the increasing impact of climate change.
The campaign also seeks to enlighten residents on the urgent need for personal and community protection measures.
During the launch in Uyo on Thursday, the Akwa Ibom Director of NOA, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, said that the campaign aims at enlightening residents, about the changes in weather patterns.
He said that this includes unpredictable rise in temperatures, and how these changes threaten public health across the state.
Mkpoutom noted that the current weather was not harmattan, but an extreme form of air pollution, which is harmful to health as it could cause oxidative stress which affects body balance.
“Our environment is changing rapidly, and the effects are evident in the disruptions faced by our communities.
“It is paramount that every citizen of Akwa Ibom understands these changes and take necessary steps to protect themselves, their families, and their livelihoods,” he said.
He appealed to citizens to take the following precautions which include wearing of nose mask, drinking sufficient water, covering of food and water to keep away dust, washing fruits thoroughly before eating, among others.
He directed all NOA structures within the state to engage with local communities through town hall meetings and collaboration.
He also urged engagement with schools and community leaders, to disseminate vital information on early warning signs, as well as safety protocols during extreme weather conditions.
The Chairman of Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Ms Surah Animashaun, has urged traders of Aiyetoro and Oluwo fish markets to consistently ensure a hygienic trading environment.
She urged the traders to maintain cleanliness and observe proper environmental sanitation in the markets.
Animashaun said this during a visit to some of the market areas in Epe on Saturday.
She said that clean markets were critical to public health.According to her, poor sanitation could lead to the outbreak of communicable diseases, especially in fish markets, where waste management must be handled with extra care.
The council chairman urged traders to dispose of refuse appropriately, avoid indiscriminate dumping of waste, and ensure regular cleaning of stalls and surroundings
She noted that environmental hygiene is a collective responsibility, adding that everyone should be involved in this development.
Animashaun also warned that the local government would not hesitate to enforce existing environmental laws, including sanctions against defaulters.
She assured traders of the council’s commitment to providing adequate waste disposal facilities and regular monitoring to sustain a clean and healthy market environment.
The council boss also urged traders to desist from selling by the roadside, so as to avoid accidents, noting that several motor accidents had occurred along the Aiyetoro market area.
“We, therefore, urge traders to stop selling on the roadside,” she said.
President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mrs Margaret Oguntala, has inaugurated the construction of 18 units residential terrace in highbrow Alausa area of Lagos toward bridging the nation’s shelter gap.
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