Return Monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise in Rivers State to Tackle Filths – NOA

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on the Rivers State Government to re-introduce the monthly sanitation exercise in the State to raise the consciousness of residents about their environment.

Rivers State Director of NOA, Dr. Edward Banigo made this recently in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as a result of the gradual return of heaps of refuse along median of roads and the filthiness of its environs.

Speaking with Radio Nigeria, Dr. Banigo, lamented that Port Harcourt which was once regarded as a Garden City, is presently the dirtiest among cities in the south East and South-South regions of the country, and urged the state Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, to take decisive action to clean up the city.

Dr. Banigo, who decried the habit of dumping refuse into existing drains by some residents of Port Harcourt, warned that Rivers State which is located within the rain belt, will experience serious flooding if deliberate efforts are not taken by relevant authorities to clear blocked drainages.

While emphasising that residents of Port Harcourt have crucial roles to play in ensuring a clean environment, the NOA State Director called on government to adopt measures to prosecute those caught violating environmental laws and regulations in the state.

Dr. Banigo assured that NOA will always partner the state government to sensitise the people on the need to keep their environment clean.