Environment

How Rivers Schools Use Water, Sanitation To Check Coronavirus

Published

6 years ago

December 21, 2020

The spread of the corona virus pandemic to Rivers State early this year can be said to have dealt a serious blow to institutions especially the school system in the state.
Environmentally, some pupils and staff of some primary schools in the state may not be in a hurry to forget both the environmental and other challenges that impacted on them as a result of the closure of schools, due to the pandemic.
Sources had it that in some schools, premises were overgrown with weeds, some premises were converted to public toilets by some natives, while some were completely taken over by reptiles and other dangerous animals.
State school Chokola Igbo Etche in Etche Local Government Area was not left out of the harrowing experiences.
Head teacher of the school, Mrs Ukoha Sandra, in an exclusive interview said, the school pitch was converted to a public toilet by some of the natives.
She said the situation had continued, despite the fact that the school was in session.
“They come here in the night and defecate all over the place and we have constantly reported the matter to the community, and no serious attention is being paid to it.”
Sandra said the school needs fencing to keep off those who strayed into the area at night to defecate in its premises. She also said State School Chokota had no sanitation facilities such as water and toilet, adding that what the school had was only pit latrine which is unhygienic.
According to her, the pit latrine is being cleaned regularly with hypo bleach and klin detergent.
“We don’t have water sometimes, I give money from my pocket to buy water”, she said.
She stressed the need for the government and public spirited individuals to come to the aid of the school by providing water and sanitation facilities.
Sandra said the COVID-19 pandemic dealt a terrible blow to the school as the population of the school has been reduced.
According to her, the school which has a population of 600 pupils now has less than 400 as some parents say they will wait till January 2021 before bringing their children to school.
Sandra said however the school was complying fully with COVID-19 protocols as no pupil was allowed to enter class rooms without putting on face mask and washing hands with soap and water.
She also said pupils and staff were happy to be back to class.
Also speaking, a basic five teacher, Mr Nwangha Godspower Anugo, said the school needed fencing to keep off intruders.
Anugbo said the school had no toilet and water, facilities.
“We need water seriously, the place also needs fencing”. On the conversion of the school premises to a public toilet, he said the matter had been reported to the Chokota Community Development Committee (CDC) and the youth body but noting was being done about it.
Also, Mrs Eucheria Etukudoh, a basic III teacher said, pupils used hand sanitisers in the school while in her class, there was spacing of pupils.
Some pupils who spoke were The Tide said they were happy to be back, but government should do something about the problem of water and sanitation.
Some of the pupils which include, Blessing Mfon Archibong of basic I, Favour Joseph Uwem of Basic II and others said they were happy to be back to school.
Also, for Centop International School, Umuchoko, the management has provided water and sanitation facilities in the school. The proprietor of the school, Mr Onwu Innocent Bamidele, however said the school was yet to recover from the shock of the lockdown but stressed that hand washing was strictly observed in the school.
According to him, the school has eight handwashing points, four within and four outside, while children are subjected to regular temperature check before entry into the premises.
Bamidele said the school had excellent water and sanitation facilities.
Also speaking, a parent, Burn Ray Unyene, said the pandemic dealt terrible lows to families.
“It is not easy to keep a child in the house”, adding that parents are happy that schools have resumed.
He also said parents were happy that school environment was neat and tidy.
Some of the school children, who spoke said they were happy to be back to school.

Environment

LWC, Julius Berger seek stronger coordination on Lagos infrastructure

Published

2 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

The Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) has commenced discussions with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to strengthen coordination between water and road infrastructure projects.

This is contained in a statement issued by the corporation.

The corporation said the engagement followed a courtesy and familiarisation visit led by its Managing Director, Mr Mukhtaar Tijani, to Julius Berger’s Ijora office.

It said the visit was aimed at strengthening institutional relations and creating opportunities for deeper collaboration between both organisations.

The corporation stressed the importance of cordial relationships with neighbouring organisations and strategic stakeholders to promote future collaboration.

The meeting focused on road construction, water pipeline protection, water infrastructure development and sustainable water supply across Lagos Island and its environs.

Both organisations highlighted the need for early communication and technical coordination to prevent conflicts between road projects and existing water infrastructure.

Julius Berger Regional Commercial Manager, Region West, Mr Alexander Bauer, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainable engineering solutions rather than short-term fixes.

Bauer stressed the importance of early stakeholder engagement and proper coordination before construction activities begin.

The meeting also examined access to project drawings and technical information required to improve coordination between water and road infrastructure projects.

Julius Berger explained that releasing detailed project drawings remained subject to approval from the appropriate client.

Both organisations therefore agreed on the need to engage the Lagos State Government to secure necessary approvals and strengthen technical collaboration.

The discussions also focused on accurate pipeline information and its importance in planning future water infrastructure and urban development projects.

The LWC delegation raised concerns about uncoordinated borehole drilling and its potential effects on groundwater resources and the ecosystem.

Participants noted that stronger public water supply systems could reduce dependence on individual boreholes and help protect underground water resources.

Construction & Maintenance

They also agreed on the importance of sharing information on construction activities, road conditions, project schedules and potential disruptions.

Security and community considerations were also discussed, with Julius Berger highlighting its engagement with relevant authorities on security infrastructure within the area.

The meeting ended with a shared commitment to open communication, stronger technical coordination and exploring further opportunities for collaboration.

The engagement is expected to strengthen synergies between water and road infrastructure planning and support resilient and sustainable infrastructure development across Lagos.

Environment

IYD: Climate experts advocate investment in African youth

Published

2 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

Some Climate Experts across Africa have called for investment in African youth to enhance future security.

They made the call on Wednesday during a webinar organised by Planet, People and Peace Foundation (PPPF), a non-governmental organisation, to observe 2026 International Youth Day (IYD).

According to them, there is a need to invest, listen and create opportunities for young African people.

The Tide source reports that the 2026 theme of the IYD is “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations’’.

Miss Bisi Kumuyi, the Secretary, Climate Beyond Border Caravan (CBBC), Nigeria, who canvassed for investment in youth, said the future of Africa would be determined by the opportunities the continent created for its young people today.

The CBBC, an initiative of PPPF, is a pan-African, youth-led campaign promoting climate action, cross-border cooperation and green economic transformation across the continent.

‘‘As Africa joins the rest of the world to commemorate International Youth Day on Aug. 12, 2026, we celebrate the energy, creativity, resilience and determination of young Africans who continue to shape the continent’s present and future.

‘‘This year’s theme reminds us that young people across Africa live in different social, economic and cultural circumstances.

‘‘They share common aspirations: access to quality education, decent employment, innovation, peace, inclusion, environmental sustainability and opportunities to fulfil their potential,’’ she said.

Also speaking, Mrs Nouran Farouk, an Egyptian Climate Activist, called for urgent investment in Africa’s youth.

According to her, Africa is the world’s youngest continent, and its youthful population represented one of its greatest assets.

Environment

PWDs: CCD Unveils Report On Climate Change Impacts, Urges Implementation

Published

2 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has unveiled a research report on impacts of climate change on Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), calling for its implementation in the country.

The Acting Director CCD, Mr Godwin Unumeri, made the call at the public presentation of the report titled: “Disability-Inclusive Greenhouse Gas Emission and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Nigeria” on Wednesday in Lagos.

The event brought together government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, persons with disabilities and other key stakeholder to foster dialogue, collaboration and stronger commitment to disability-inclusive climate change adaptation and mitigation in Nigeria.

Unumeri urged stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and policy commitment toward building climate resilience and ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s climate response.

He noted that valuable insights and recommendations from stakeholders at a validation workshop in February had been incorporated into the report.

According to him, effective implementation of the recommendations requires sustained collaboration, strong policy commitment, adequate resource mobilisation and coordinated action across sectors.

“By working together, we can translate these findings into practical interventions that strengthen climate resilience and ensure the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s climate response,” he said.

In her remarks, the General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, urged the stakeholders to ensure that the report would be translated into practical interventions to enhance full inclusion of PWDs particularly in climate change policies.