Environmentalists have called for the construction of proper drainages and sanction of those who engage in improper waste disposal in the country.
They made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.
Mr Michael David, African Regional Coordinator for Citizens Climate, International, an NGO, said that there was a need for proper enlightenment of the people on waste disposal.
According to him, “Out of sheer ignorance, some people just feel that the drainages are places where wastes can be disposed and when the rains come it will wash it away.”
The coordinator expressed concern over the lack of enforcement and continuous monitoring of waste disposal laws in the country. He suggested the need to investigate agencies saddled with the responsibilities of waste collection and management, on why they are failing in their statutory responsibilities.
“Public awareness alone can help solve 50 percent of these problems. You just keep reminding these people on the need to dispose their wastes properly, but yet they don’t. Are people really aware of the provisions of the law that says when a person disposes his or her wastes wrongly they would be sanctioned? If these laws are effectively implemented it will help in checkmating these acts,’’ David stressed.
Dr Joseph Onoja, Director General (D-G) of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, recommended the proper design of roads taking into cognisance the topography of such roads.
He said that road construction entails diligence and creating waterways to avoid flooding and called for the implementation of environmental laws to check the excesses of those who violate such laws.
“We have beautiful laws in Nigeria but they don’t bite as they should; so, we will continue to encourage the government to implement these laws,’’ he said.
(NAN)
