Environment
Physician Wants Proper Waste Disposal
A Consultant Community Physician, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Dr. Best Ordinioha, has described improper human waste disposal as environmental hazard that has continued to be a problem not only in Nigeria but in the entire Africa.
Delivering a lecture titled “The effect of environmental pollution on human health in Africa, at a forum in Port Harcourt recently, Ordinioha stated that “one million tons of human faeces are produced each day in the world and the World Health Organisation (WHO) expects every household to have a sanitation facility within 50 meters of their residence, to ensure proper containment of this dangerous waste.
“Yet, three billion people are without a proper sanitation facility, including several people in Africa”.
He condemned the over hung toilet used in most water side settlements, noting that a toilet is only considered good enough when it is a private facility, not shared by more than five households, and can prevent excreta-related diseases.
He disclosed that studies have shown that poor disposal of human waste is directly or indirectly responsible for at least two million deaths every year, while improved water supply and toilet are capable of reducing the cases of diarrhea by as much as 65 per cent and child death by 55 per cent.
Ordinioha who is also Senior Lecturer at University of Port Harcourt (Uniport) enumerated the health implications of poor solid waste management which include proliferation of vectors and pests, generation of toxic fumes, radiological contamination of ground water, generation of air-borne allergens and pathogens that trigger asthmatic attacks, among others.
Other environmental problems in Africa according to him are inadequate housing, air pollution, noise pollution, unsatiable waterneeds.
He alerted that the neglect of these problems could be very disastrous both to the environment, individuals and the nation as a whole.
He therefore called for the collective effort of all – individuals, organizations, groups, companies, churches and government towards solving the problem.
He advocated that public toilets should be built in churches, public buildings to discourage open defecation.
Government should also provide safe water and other facilities for the people, he said.
Calista Ezeaku
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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