Environment
N’ Delta Tasked On Disaster Management
States in the Niger Delta region of the country have been advised to develop their own emergency response institutions to enable them protect and develop the environment in the region.
The Managing Director of The Initiates Ltd, Dr. Osai Mustapher Rueben who gave the charge in an exclusive interview in Port Harcourt said “there was no response arrangement by the Niger Delta states” even as he called for human capital development in that direction.
Dr. Osai whose organisation is involved in waste management said the washing off the surface of the soil would negatively impact the soil as the travelling water would relocate the much needed nutrients from one location to another.
He said the flooding which makes the environment dynamics enables it transmit diseases on a wide scale and equally moves debris to uninhabited places.
He said this scenario would lead to lack of food as crops are washed up and roof crops would rot due to the accumulation of water.
Dr. Osai who is also a chartered environmentalist said some of the challenges and implications of the flooding include the subjecting of the ecosystem to ecological changes leading to death of various species of animals.
He opined that the flooding was “Micro” in nature and not actually related to climate change per se “as that is a higher disaster as the flood was not just coming from the sea like if happened in Japan and elsewhere”.
According to him, what has happened was minor as the flooding was merely following the flow of the River Niger, explaining that our readiness to manage disasters should be given a human face.
Commenting on the present underground drainage system being used in roads construction in the state, Dr. Osai said the system cannot work effectively if not free from debris.
He said since it appears to be the most modern, it is necessary to guard against those things likely to carry debris into the drainages.
He further called on the government and its agencies to adhere strictly to the zero tolerance for pothole policy and consolidate on the grass planting system to prevent movement of dirt into the drainages.
He also called for the eradication of manual evacuation of silt from gutters and man holes as the system was temporary because such debris easily found their way back into the drainages.
He called for the introduction of vaccum trucks to ensure the movement of evacuated waste and proper disposal.
Dr. Osai advocated for a situation where government woos land owners with a view to properly planning the layout of their land for a fee before such lands were given or sold to land developers in the state.
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.
-
Sports2 days agoTinubu Lauds Super Eagles’ after AFCON bronze triumph
-
Sports2 days agoFulham Manager Eager To Receive Iwobi, Others
-
Sports2 days agoAFCON: Lookman gives Nigeria third place
-
Sports2 days ago“Mikel’s Influence Prevent Some Players Invitation To S’Eagles Camp”
-
Sports2 days agoMan of The Match award Excites Nwabali
-
News2 days agoSERAP Sues Govs, FCT Minister Over Security Vote Spending
-
Niger Delta2 days agoINC Polls: Ogoriba Pledges To Continuously Stand For N’Delta Rights … Picks Presidential Form
-
Editorial2 days agoBeyond Accessing Bonny By Road