The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Thursday, sensitised Benue stakeholders on proper waste management to mitigate impact of flood in the state.
Its Zonal Coordinator, Mr Eugene Nyelong, while declaring the workshop open in Makurdi, said the it was aimed at addressing critical issues surrounding waste management.
Nyelong said the workshop was to educate relevant stakeholders on proper waste management to mitigate impact of flooding in the state.
He said flood had become an annual routine in some states of the country and that indiscreminent dumping of waste was one of the major factors behind it.
The cordinator explained that when waste are not properly disposed, they inturn block water drainages, thereby causing flooding in areas that were not naturally flood prone.
“One of the important ways of flood mitigation is proper waste management, which the workshop is aimed at addressing.
“The production of waste is increasing at an alarming rate. This does not only pose environmental risk but also economic and social challenges through its negative impact.
“Waste management is an issue that touches every aspect of our lives, from the waste we produce at home to the industrial waste generated.
“How we handle this waste has significant implication on our health, our communities and our planet at large.”
According to him, improper waste management can lead to pollution, health hazards and depletion of natural resources.
“Effective waste management actions, ranging from waste reduction, re-use, and re-cycling, conserve resources, protect public health and prevent further degradation of the eco-system,” he said.
The cordinator said waste management was not just a technical issue but a societal one that required collective efforts from individuals, government and organisations.
He urged participants to be mindful of the actions they would be taking henceforth, in management of waste as they would have a lasting impact on future generations.
“Let us commit to being part of the solution, to innovating, educating and working together toward a cleaner, healthier, and more suitable environment.”he said.
The General Manager, Benue Urban Development Board, Mr Terhemen Mende, said the board was working towards having Makurdi Drainage Master Plan to permanently address frequent flooding in the state capital.
Mende said houses built on waterways would be demolished, adding that the state government would provide all machineries for the exercise.
Also, the Acting Manager, Benue State Environmental Sanitation Authority (BENSSSEA) Mrs Jennifer Nashima, said the agency has adequately sensitised the people on proper waste management.
Nashima said those,who failed to do the right thing would be sanctioned.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NEMA before the workshop, carried out sensitisations to markets and other major places within the state capital.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
