Authorities of the Rivers
State Institute of Polution Studies (IPS) in the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, have advocated for stiff punishment for residents who block public drains with wastes.
The Director of the institute, Tubonimi Ideriah told The Tide in an interview that the level of disregards to regulations concerning environmental sanitation especially drain blockage has become a source of worry especially in Port Harcourt City and its environs.
According to him, if the state government through the Rivers State Environmental Sanitation Authority go tough on offenders, most drains being blocked would become free and there would be free flow of waters .
He decried the habit of throwing into the drainages all manner of solid waste especially when rain is falling stressing that such attitude was becoming a threat to the environment.
“It is common for people to throw all manner of wastes into the public drainage when rain is falling and people feel less concern, but this habit constitute hazard to the environment,” he said.
He urged residents to refrain from such habit while recommending a stiff penalty to act as deterrent to others.
The director also advised residents to collaborate with the appropriate government agencies in the campaign emphasing that it is the responsibility of all in the society to protect the environment.

Chris Oluoh