Environment
65% Of FCT Communities Depend On Stream Water
The Programme
Manager for Water, Oxfam Nigeria, Mr Sunday Nyong, has said that no fewer than 65 per cent of FCT communities depend solely on stream water.
Nyong told newsmen in Abuja that this was revealed in Oxfam’s baseline study in the FCT on water sources in most rural communities.
“A baseline study by Independent Charity Organisation, Oxfam, has revealed that 65 per cent of communities in the Federal Capital Territory depend on river and stream for their water.
“The study revealed that many communities in Kuje Area Council depend on seasonal streams and other unclean natural sources for water,” he said.
Nyong said there was the need for all tiers of government to take access to water and sanitation important, saying water is life.
The programme manager said the group in partnership with Unilever UK provided a solar-powered water facility to Gafera-Laminga community in Kuje Area Council.
He said this move was aimed at improving water supply to the community, added that since 1951, when the community was established, they have not had access to improved water.
Nyong said the only borehole present in the community was donated by the MDG project, saying it has not been functional.
“A giant tank was merely constructed in the community with dry taps that never worked.
“Efforts to reach out to the contractor for information on the status of the project and why it is not working yielded no result,” he said.
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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