Indiscriminate Dumping of Waste Materials in The 'Eastern Heartland'

INDISCRIMINATE DUMPING OF WASTE MATERIALS IN THE ‘EASTERN HEARTLAND’

Brethren, I sincerely thank God that; as the days unfold, our congregation increases. This signifies that we’re witnessing growth on a daily basis. I’m sure we all know what that implies? To the best of my knowledge, growth is what everyone prays for, regardless of his/her status or background. Glory be to the Almighty that our denomination is really vastly progressing; I can’t thank Him enough.

Having noted that there’s a remarkable progress among our fellowship for the past two years we commenced this ministry, I wish to use this avenue to let you know one fact, which is; my love feeds on yours and as long as you live, it’ll remain in your arms without leaving mine. In case you consider the candid statement vague, the summary of it is that, we’re meant to be together irrespective of the pressure we might be facing.

Barely two months ago, I was in Lagos state. During my stay which lasted for several weeks, I noticed that so many things had changed positively in the state, except one thing which seemed to be unchangeable. That very anomaly appears to be common amongst virtually all the states across the federation; this singular observation made my person to conclude that, Nigeria as a nation has a certain common disease, though social. I wouldn’t like to disclose that social disease at this juncture. But I promise, prior to the end of this edition, it must be mentioned and duly treated.

Please permit me to go back to history, as usual. Few days ago, an old time friend studying in Ghana, West Africa initiated a chat with me on one of the existing social media, Facebook to be precise. At the starting point of the chat, she hurriedly asked how Nigeria had been faring regarding environmental sanitary. According to her, the last time she checked, Nigeria as a whole was still lagging behind in the area of public sanitation. Based on her enquiry, I responded that, from my personal view, most of the recent government functionaries (administrators) in Nigeria adore cleanliness; but it appears that their subjects enjoy littering the environments due to the fact that, they have not been forcedly persuaded to act otherwise. Suffice to say; they cherish being treated like members of the “animal farm”. Let’s ride on!

If you can take a second glance at the topic of today, you will concur that, my interest solely lies in Imo state otherwise known as “the Eastern Heartland” which remains my state of origin.

For those of you who have been residents of Imo state, you will bear me witness that the state in question has been facing tremendous challenges as regards environmental sanitation, in spite of the tireless effort that had been recorded by the ongoing Owelle’s administration to see that the anomaly becomes a thing of the past. Needless to say that the efforts rendered so far by the government seems futile, or were to no avail. It’s no longer news that all the gutters has been loaded with fathomless rubbishes, thereby negatively affecting our drainage systems seriously. As a concerned social analyst, I can recollect vividly that I’ve often times spoken on this societal eyesore.

Frankly, I want to state unequivocally that, for a wholly decent and charming environment to be obtained in Imo state in respect to environmental sanitary, or for the aforementioned anomaly to be adequately addressed by the government, both human and non-human faces are required, and all hands must as well be on deck.

Firstly, the government in collaboration with the relevant existing Non-governmental Organizations in the state should from time to time organize seminars, workshops, and what have you, to properly educate and re-orientate the occupants of the state on their respective civic responsibilities in the area of environmental sanitation. The religious institutions should not be left out with regard to the proposed sensitization exercise. The print and electronic media ought to also be used to actualize this motive.

Secondly, I urge the Ministry of Environment to ensure that waste bins are situated at all strategic locations across the state. In other words, no area or locality should be exempted or ostracized while this routine is being carried out. In line with this, a formidable ad-hoc committee must be set up to guarantee thoroughness of the project/initiative.

Thirdly, a mobile Task Force group ought to be set up by the government. The group is expected to monitor every nook and cranny of the state on a daily basis and in every second, to ensure that the commuters and pedestrians adhere strictly to the environmental instruction by making adequate use of the various waste bins mounted at the strategic points after emptying any canned, bottled, packaged or sachet drink/food. Such concernment would be wise and ideal to be signed into law by the State Legislative organ. Therefore, the members of the task force must always endeavour to wear a non-human face while implementing the proposed law; most importantly, they must be thoroughly sincere and transparent. In this regard, anyone caught defaulting the law must be instantly tried by a mobile court, which would be established at every major junction in the state; and if found guilty, must be subjected to a capital punishment. In addition, any moving vehicle would be mandated to have a small waste bin where its passengers can discard any waste material, to avoid any embarrassment from the task force.

Lastly, but not the least, the government must ensure that, the usual but defunct monthly environmental sanitation exercise in the state is reinitiated. And this time, it must be whole and compulsory. When I say “whole”, I mean ensuring that it’s being observed by all localities in the state, whilst “compulsory” implies that everyone regardless of age or status must participate. I also urge the state legislators to sign the practice into an impeccable law, therefore, must ensure that it is duly enforced. On this note, a committee is also expected to be inaugurated by the executive arm to see to the effectiveness of the practice; and the committee must also wear a non-human face in carrying out this official assignment. Thus, anyone caught abusing the directive by the committee must be brought to book with no iota of delay.

Believe me, if all these are properly put in place, in no distant time, Imo state would be a place to reckon with in regard to conducive and accommodating environmental condition.

But, the people involved must wake up from slumber by bearing in mind that, such act is barbaric, uncultured and uncalled for. We should endeavour to deliver ourselves instead of waiting for others to do so on our behalf.

The above mentioned and treated syndrome is a national issue that requires an urgent and cogent measure that must be implemented in earnest by the respective affected states. Don’t forget; “Cleanliness is next to godliness”, and “A healthy nation is a wealthy nation.” Think about it!

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FDN NWAOZOR

frednwaozor@gmail.com