Environment
Flooding: Environmentalist Harps On Clean Drainages, Effective Waste Management
An environmentalist, Mr Emmanuel Emechete, has called for adequate drainage clearing and effective waste management ahead of the rainy season to prevent flooding.
Emechete made the call in an interview with our Tide source in Lagos.
He noted that it was necessary to act fast by clearing our drainages before the rains begin in full swing.
Emechete also appealed to residents of flood-prone communities to clear drains in their neighbourhood.
He said that it was critical to put in place measures that would avert the seasonal flooding across the country.
“One important measure any country must take to prevent flooding is to ensure clean and cleared drainages at all times.
“To get a lasting solution to our seasonal flooding, we must have proper drainage systems and effective waste control and management system.
“Our roads get flooded with rainfall because water has to find a passage somehow.
“If the drainages are blocked, it has to find an alternative route, hence flooding in some areas.
“In Lagos for instance, all local and state government environmental officers should monitor and ensure that households in their communities (LCDA), keep cleared drainage.
“Proper waste management can also help tackle flash floods in the rainy season.
“Waste managers should be engaged to do proper services at households and marketplaces,’’ the environmentalist said.
Emechete also called for proper monitoring of waste disposal to curb the rate of indiscriminate dumping of litters that can likely lead to flash floods.
In addition, he called for timely collection and disposal of waste from households and public places to prevent illegal dumpsites.
“We need to review our waste management system, both for business owners and individuals to forestall more flooding incidences in the country.
“Taskforce in markets should ensure that the drainage there is cleaned and cleared by business owners.
“Market Environmental Taskforce should ensure that all shop/business owners dispose of their waste properly to curb indiscriminate dumping of refuse”, 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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