Environment
Flood: ‘Govt Should Take Proactive Measures’
A Port Harcourt-based businessman and much-room development expert, Chief Moore Chinda has said that the expected 2013 flooding should be a major concern of the authorities especially in terms of readiness to tackle such eventualities.
Chief Chinda who spoke to our correspondent in Port Harcourt last week said flood was an unavoidable natural disaster like any other throughout the world which consequences are rather disastrous.
Chief Chinda who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Diplomat farms said the question is whether the nations is getting ready to face the challenges.
According to him, it was like the biblical ten virgins where five at last proved to be wise while the rest where seen as foolish.
Explaining further, he said it was important to move the people living in flood prone areas out from their present abode to higher grounds.
He said the responsibility of averting some of the negative consequences rests entirely on the governments at the various levels.
While describing such occurrences as being above human comprehension, he expressed the hope that all concerned would be ready in meeting the consequences of the flood.
He praised the expertise of the meteorological agencies and other such organisations for letting the cat out of the bag in good time.
He called for adequate enlightenment of the people on the nature of infrastructure to be put in place and the means available for evacuating them even as he said what the people would eat during the period be given priority attention including clothing and medical services.
According to him, the extent of the disaster itself should be taken into consideration in terms of the extent of damage done at a given geographical area.
“The level of relief materials will depend on the extent of damage done.
“It is a good thing that we are aware, afterall when you are starting a war you warn people in advance,” he said.
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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