Environment
RSWMA Decries Indiscriminate Dumping Of Refuse In PH
Rivers State Waste
Management Agency (RSWMA), has decried the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in some parts of Port Harcourt.
This was made known by a Special Assistant to the Sole Administrator of RSWMA, Mr. Abu K. Joseph in a chat with The Tide in his office in Port Harcourt.
Joseph said that this is the major challenge currently facing the agency, especially the dumping of refuse on the median strip instead of the approved receptacles.
He said that the problem is mostly noticed along NTA/Choba road, Ada George, Rumuola, Rumuokwuta, Slaughter, Waterlines, Olu Obasanjo, Ikoku, Abuja lane and Mile 1-111 axis of Ikwerre road.
He explained that massive campaign and enlightenment on various platforms have been carried out to educate people on the need to use designated receptacles and the approved time for dumping of refuse which is from 6.00pm to 6.00am, adding that any other time is against the law and would attract punishment.
He noted that Oginigba road, and Rumuokwuta road 10 years ago, were without refuse but now that it is a dual carriage lane and a median, people have now started dumping refuse on that median.
He therefore emphasized that the reason for the median is to beautify the city, adding that government planned to plant grasses and trees on the median, stating that the general public had converted it to a receptacle.
He however noted that other parastatals and agencies have helped a lot in organising more campaign to enlighten the public to keep the city clean and stop indiscriminate dumping of refuse.
Joseph called on Port Harcourt residents to stop the use of median as receptacle, adding that it defaces the garden city.
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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