RSG To Enforce Sanitation In Markets, Parks

The Rivers State Government has vowed to enforce regular sanitation in public places such as motor parks and markets in the state.

The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Nyema Weli disclosed this last Thursday in Port Harcourt, during a special sanitation exercise organised by the ministry as part of activities to mark the 2012 World Environment Day in Port Harcourt.

Dr. Weli said that the exercise which was not meant to witchhunt anybody is to ensure cleanliness in the city of Port Harcourt, and its environs.

The Commissioner who was represented by the permanent secretary of the Ministry, Sir George Nwaeke said that the Ministry is embarking on the exercise to show example as well as create awareness among the people.

“The purpose of it is enlightenment of the people and we have to show examples, it is not to punish people.

“Proper sanitation could be a very good way of preventing diseases. The whole programme is dedicated to tell the people about the safe way of doing things in our environment” he said.

Also speaking, the Director Environment, Health and Safety in the Ministry, Mr Napoleon Ewhule said that the exercise would be used to enlighten market women and drivers on the best way of cleaning the various motorparks and markets in the State.

“We are going out to campaign and enlighten the people for them to understand the importance of clean environment.”

Mr. Ewhule noted that markets and motor parks especially in Port Harcourt and environs must be kept clean always to avoid epidemic in the State as both markets and motorparks are centres of populations in the city.

Speaking at the Abali park, the chairman of the park, Chief Bethel Dappa said that the Park Management Committee does not condole indiscriminate dumping of refuse in and around the park.

He also commended the Ministry of Environment for the exercise and pledged their co-operation and support.

The exercise covered both Mile I and III markets, slaughter and Creek Road markets, Abali park and Mile III park.