Soot Increases Poverty In Rivers – Survey

A survey has revealed that more people are suffering from poverty as a result of the ‘black soot’  in Rivers State.
The survey was conducted by Climate Action for Sustainability and Environmental Protection, supported by The British Council ,European Union and implemented by the Rivers Network of NGOs and the Center for Development Support Initiative.
The survey also identified women, children and people with disabilities as worst affected by the soot.
It noted that the soot increased more spending on medication as the situations led to more respiratory infections
Speaking in an interview with The Tide, the coordinator of Rivers Network of NGOs, Dr. Mina Ogbanga said the situation has underscored the need for the govement to come up with a free medical care programme for the people.
“First and foremost this is the power of converting research to action.From the research we know some people will need medical support in the sense that if the government can run a free medical care to test the respiratory status of vulnerable groups ,it will help,”she said.
She said the soot has increased poverty as parents spend more money buying soap and going to hospital more than before.
Ogbanga who is also the county director of the Centre for Development Support Initiative said the group is pushing for a zero soot in Rivers State to ensure that people are empowered.
“We are pushing for a zero soot in Rivers State where people will be economically, physically and sociologically empowered.
She stressed the need for passage of the soot bill before the state Assembly to ensure penalties for those promoting soot in the state.

“If the soot law is passed there will be penalties for people causing damage to the environment”

Ogbanga also advised young people to say no to kpofire and other activities that will damage the environment.

By: John Bibor