In order to address pollution issues and protect the environment, the Plateau state government has established mobile courts to prosecute individuals who violate the monthly sanitation exercise.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang made this announcement while flagging off the mobile
court exercise in Jos over the weekend.
Governor Mutfwang emphasized the importance of neighborhood organization to ensure the enforcement of environmental sanitation.
He stated, “Sanitation courts will begin to move around to penalize people who disregard the vision of keeping the environment clean.”
To achieve a clean environment, collective efforts are necessary, and the governor encouraged people to actively participate in the monthly sanitation exercise, scheduled for the last Saturday of each month.
Local government areas have also been directed to observe the exercise, and motorists have been mandated to properly dispose of dirt generated by passengers.
Governor Mutfwang stressed the need to avoid dumping waste while in transit and collectively address the indiscriminate dumping of refuse to minimize road nuisance.
He expressed his desire to see a green and
enviable Plateau that everyone can enjoy. He urged Plateau residents to maintain clean environments as a way of life.
Upon assuming office, Governor Mutfwang established a task force to find lasting solutions to the pollution situation.
Reportedly, Plateau State ranks second in open defecation practice in Nigeria.
Open defecation has devastating effects on public health, environmental contamination, and poor hygiene practices. It remains a leading cause of child mortality, morbidity, under-nutrition, and stunting globally.
UNICEF also states that poor sanitation can hinder education and economic opportunities, with women and girls being particularly vulnerable to the consequences of inadequate sanitation services.