Minister Blames Filthy Environment For Diseases

The high rate of diseases recorded by hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has been attributed to unhealthy environment as well as the level of unsafe water and foods patronised by the people of the state.

The FCT Minister of State, Chief Olajumoke Akinjide, made this known last week, at the inauguration of the Clean, Green and Greater Abuja Programme.

The minister, who was represented by Mrs. Jumai Kwanashi, a director in the ministry, said the programme was to enhance the health of residents in the area.

Akinjide also called for the planting of trees to ensure a healthy environment, while expressing optimism that the programme would rid the FCT of filth.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Bwari Area Council, Mr Peter Yohana,  used the occasion to call on the FCT Minister, Sen. Bala Mohammed, to assist his council create refuse collection and dump sites, the absence of which he said, had made the evacuation of refuse in the area difficult. Yohana who called for more trained environment health officers, also canvassed a sustained public private partnership in refuse disposal.

The programme: Clean, Green and Greater Abuja was aimed at encouraging residents to cultivate the habit of living in a healthy environment.

Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi