By Bisola Adeyemo
The Project Coordinator, Edo State Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (Edo NEWMAP), Dr. Tom Obaseki, has urged the people of Edo state to stop the act of dumping waste in undesignated spaces such as open or vacant land in the state.
He called for caution after sighting huge pile of waste scattered along the newly provided drainage system in Ogiso-Osunde area of Edo state, during an inspection of the Ogiso-Osunde flood control site in Ikpoba-Okha local council.
The outcome of indiscriminate disposal of solid wastes expose human to environmental degradation such as in flooding, drainage obstruction, widespread of infectious diseases, cholera, diarrhea typhoid fever, waterway blockage which leads to infestation of flies, ticks and breeding of mosquitoes that cause malaria.
Obaseki urged citizens to support the government’s efforts by assisting in maintaining the infrastructures provided.
He noted that improper waste disposal in drainage and water channels may render the huge investment made by the government into flood alleviation ineffective.
He said it was unbelievable that residents who had suffered immeasurable consequences of yearly flood ravages would fail to recognize the importance of the drainage system provided by the state government across the state, thereby disposing wastes indiscriminately into the newly constructed drainage system.
‘’For years, the people of this community suffered the ravage of yearly flooding before the government under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki heard your cry for help and responded through Edo NEWMAP iintervention”.
“But look at what you are doing now to the flood alleviation infrastructure newly provided for your community; this is not acceptable at all,’’ Obaseki said.
The Project Coordinator called on community leaders as well as landlords and landladies hosting NEWMAP infrastructure and such other government projects to assist in the maintenance and protection of these government facilities.