The National Enforcement Standard and Regulation Environmental Agency (NESREA) has stressed the importance of adequate sanitation as a requirement for good health.

Speaking at a one-day workshop held in Orlu, Mr Rasaq Ashiru, Director, South-East said the aim of the workshop was to make people aware of the importance of sanitation in society.

Mr. Ashiru explained that environmental sanitation was Vital in a nation’s growth, adding that to avoid diseases people must be inspired to maintain clean and healthy environment wherever they are.

He lamented that some of the environmental problems being experienced today were as a result of poor sanitation, inadequate waste disposal and drainage problems.

The environmental problems include gully erosion, flooding and even loss of lives due to collapsed building.

Mr. Rasaq Ashiru further cautioned market men and women, food vendors in canteens, restaurants on road sides to avoid smoking or spiting during food preparation.  He said they should observe good personal hygiene and provide waste bin with lids around their business premises to avoid littering the drainages, water courses and roadsides.  He explained that stagnant water would easily become breeding places for mosquitoes and other vermin, while poor hygiene could lead to diseases such as typhoid, dysentery and diarrhea which lower the immune system.

Mr. Ashiru said that NESREA was making frantic efforts to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for all Nigerians and would collaborate with relevant agencies, including the media and carry out a sanitation campaign to the motor parks, Abattoirs, schools, churches and other relevant places.

He noted that some of the waste generated in the homes could be sold to raise money and therefore advised the public to dump their wastes in the government approved waste receptacles, ensure regular cleaning of the drains and gutters within their locality  and tidy up their surroundings as well as to provide adequate toilets facilities.

Earlier in his speech the Sole Administrator Orlu L.G.A., Barr. Hyacint Mbachu recalled that previously, local sanitary inspectors moved around to examine how people carry out their sanitation.  He called for a return of sanitary inspectors to help maintain a cleaner environment.

Barr. Mbachu commended the NESREA for organizing the workshop which he said has awakened the consciousness of the public on the importance of personal hygiene and keeping their environment clean.

The SOLAD noted that the government has provided a place where all the wastes would be dumped at Orlu Mgbee Road and Okporo and further commended those who attended the workshop.

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