Environment
Kuramo Ocean Surge Takes Toll On Bar Beach
Fun seekers at Lagos Bar beach on Monday expressed concern
about the low turnout of revelers as a result of the ocean surge at Kuramo
Beach.
A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who visited
both the Bar Beach and Kuramo Beach in Lagos, gathered that the level of
patronage was low when compared with that of previous years.
At the Lagos Bar Beach, the few picnickers that were there
were having horse rides, taking photographs and watching the waves, but nobody
swam.
Mr Effiong Ekanem, Chairman of the Bar Beach Tourism
Committee, told NAN that the celebration this year was done with mixed
feelings.
Ekanem, who is a staff member of Iru/ Victoria Island Local
Council Development Area (LCDA), said that the mixed feelings was as a result
of the disaster that occurred at the Kuramo beach on Friday in which lives were
lost.
“The festivities is supposed to be one with celebration but
it is one of disaster due to the coastal erosion at Kuramo beach and because of
its closeness to the bar beach; it gives us cause for concern.
“In fact, this year’s Sallah celebration could be termed
black Sallah by those of us who lost our loved ones in the ocean surge,” he
said.
According to him, the turnout at the Lagos bar beach was
unaffected by the disaster that happened so close to it.
Ekanem noted the presence of wave breakers and lifeguards at
the beach as well as emergency rescue facilities.
Mrs Toyin Ologunde, a food seller at the Bar Beach, said
that the turnout of people at the beach was definitely affected by the disaster
at the Kuramo Beach.
“The happenings have disturbed me because I lost a close
associate, and the turnout at the beach was definitely affected by the
disaster.
“Last year sales was about N100,000 every day but this year
we have not been able to meet last year’s sales.
“Yesterday, this place was full by now, but for today, it
may be the sad news that made people not to turn up like before.
“In fact, during previous festivals, as we are cooking,
people keep buying all we cook; but today, you can see for yourself that there
is nobody here,” she said.
Mr Akeem Adefala, who came to enjoy himself at the beach,
said that although the turnout was low, people were having fun.
He said that his children had taken horse rides, walked
round the shore and they were just sitting down to enjoy the sea breeze.
“The turnout is low and disappointing. Though I heard about
the ocean surge at Kuramo Beach but I wasn’t afraid to come to the beach.
“I am used to the ocean and I know that once I see the
environment, I will know whether it is safe or not. Immediately I saw the wave
breakers at the bar beach, I knew it would prevent ocean surge,” Adefala said.
Another fun seeker, who asked for anonymity, said that
regardless of what happened he was enjoying himself.
“I was here yesterday and I still came back today with my
wife. I believe that God is in control and I must say that I have enjoyed this
year’s Sallah more than that of last year.
“Last year, I did not have money but this year I have money
and a new wife, so I am grateful to God. This place was full yesterday and I am
surprised that today is so dull,” he said.
Another fun seeker, Mr Ibrahim Isah, said that he was
grateful to God for preserving the family’s life, saying he was unhappy to hear
what happened at Kuramo.
NAN reports that the deserted Kuramo Beach was occupied by
sand filling machines and workers of Eko Atlantic project as well as a few
policemen.
Mr Eze Azuka, a security man at the beach, told NAN that
immediately after the news of the ocean surge broke, the sand filling machines
were moved in to fill up the land.
Azuka said that the sand filling was to prevent water from
reaching the outlying buildings, adding that the shanties at the beach had been
destroyed to make way for the sand filling.
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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