Environment
Expert Seeks Green Areas To Protect Ecology
The need to convert the water-logged areas in the city of Port Harcourt into recreational advantages has been highlighted.
The Chief Executive Officer of Centre for Environment and Community Development (CECD), Mr. John Akinuba, made this known in Port Harcourt recently as he addressed the issue of flooding in an interview with our correspondent.
Mr. Akinuba who still believes that the issue of flooding in our neigbourhood is yet to receive the right attention it deserves, said, although construction on waterways causes obstructions, the fact still remains that the torental rain and its frequency had increased due mostly to climate change and global warming, hence developmental issues must consider this aspect.
Pointing out that every eco-system has its drainage pattern, which if obstructed could lead to flooding, Mr. Akinuba said the city planners must as a matter of necessity, leave some areas that are water-logged and perhaps use same for recreational purposes. “There is no part of the world where there is no provision for green areas within cities”. He said, as he also tasks the government of the day on the creation of recreational facilities where people can go and relax, which in his view, would serve other purposes including income generation while still protecting the eco-system. Akinuba who debunked the idea that a portion of land is more valued when permanent structures are constructed therein, said these “green areas” if when established, could serve as good tourist centres which will also impact positively on our foreign reserve, boost the image and popularity of our state and most importantly, without interfering with the ecosystem.
Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi
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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