Environment
Ex-NES Boss Proffers Solution To Flooding In Rivers
The immediate past President of the Nigerian Environmental Soceity (NES), Olu Wai Ogosu has recommended a long time approach to tackle the perennial flooding in Rivers State.
Ogosu who said this in a telephone interview with The Tide said that the State needs to adopt sustained measures that will check the perennial flooding of not only Port Harcourt but other parts of the state.
“The problem cannot be solved overnight. You need serious planning and investment to solve the problem.
He also said that the absence of long term policies has affected the State in terms of flooding control as areas that were flooded last year are now experiencing the same problem this year.
“Flood is not an environmental hazard that can be tackled immediately, because it has an accummulated impact.
For instance, those living in the coastal communities require shoreline protection to check erosion.
The former NES President also said that the issue of how wastes are being disposed off by the people must be critically examined as waste disposed into water channels will block it from flowing freely.
According to him, people must be properly sensitised to check the indiscriminate dumping of refuse on waterways and drainages, adding that such situation is prone to create more problems.
Ogosu also urged for the enforcement of urban town planning regulations to check the indiscriminate building of structures on water right of ways, stressing that structures on water right of ways should be demolished to ensure the free flow of water.
“What is needed at the moment is to look at areas that are prone to flooding. People need to be relocated and embarkment constructed.”
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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