Environment
Expert Cautions FCT Residents Against Indiscriminate Refuse Dumping
Society for the Promotion of People‘s Right, an NGO, has urged FCT residents to stop indiscriminate dumping of refuse to promote environmental health in the area.
President of the society, Mr Williams Osaze, an environmental expert made this known in an interview with The Tide source in Abuja.
He said the organisation had noticed the indiscriminate dumping of refuse along the road sides, gutters and open places by some residents.
According to him, the NGO has observed that refuse heaps generated in homes, markets, shopping areas and other public places are supposed to be collected by the appropriate agencies.
“I know too well that there are some agencies that are in charge of collection of waste in various areas in the FCT, but people are dumping their waste indiscriminately, instead of using them.
“Meanwhile, some of these waste collectors are not being monitored appropriately; sometimes they fail to discharge their duties the way it ought to be.
“I also noticed that even when the waste is collected in the available dilapidated trucks; it usually ends up being littered on the streets to the discomfort of other road users,’’ he said.
Osaze said that the indiscriminate dumping of refuse could lead to environmental threats, thereby causing spread of diseases to people and health challenge.
He called on government agencies to collaborate with other relevant stakeholders to sensitise people on the negative effect of indiscriminate dumping of refuse.
Others, Osaze said include cutting of trees and other activities that could lead to environmental challenges in the area.
The president said that the collaboration would also help to address the deteriorating conditions of waste management in the environment.
He said that there was the need for the FCT authorities to empower the Abuja Environmental Protection Agency, (AEPB) and other local councils to enable them deliver effectively on their mandates.
Osaze also advised that the authority should embark on proactive measures that would address waste management by repairing all collection vehicles, provision of additional waste bins to minimise indiscriminate dumping.
He said, “As well as engaging other relevant stakeholders for strong sensitisation in other to mobilise the residents to lend a helping hand in waste management.
“Also, to ensure that all drainages are constructed while those damaged should be repaired, provision of permanent landfill sites for refusal is also part of the measures.
Osaze advised the authority to strengthen the capacities of local governments through adequate and continue release of funds in waste management activities.
The president said that Public Private Partnership (PPA) on waste management would go a long way in tackling the problem.
He added that supporting those agencies in the sector to help develop policies on environmental and waste management was also one of the proactive measures to address the threats.
“I am hopefully believed that if these ideas are being implemented by the government, the FCT environs will be transformed and look attractive,’’ he also 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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