Group tasks Bauchi residents against indiscriminate Refuse disposal

Water Sanitation and Hygiene Media Network has warned Bauchi residents to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the city.

The Chairman of the network, Mr. David Ayodele, gave the warning on Monday in an interview with Newsmen in Bauchi.

Ayodele said that the warning became necessary to prevent gastroenteritis (an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, resulting from bacterial toxins or viral infection and causing vomiting and diarrhoea).

He said: “As the rain sets in, dumping of refuse in gutters, sewage and other places indiscriminately could be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

“This would lead to the spread of communicable diseases.”

Ayodele said that environmental sanitation has been identified as an integral part of achieving a healthy environment.

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“It involved controlling all the factors in man’s physical environment which may cause harmful effects on his physical growth and development, especially health and survival.

“We have to explore various ways of making environmental sanitation practices more effective and sustainable in households and communities to achieve their target,” he said.

Ayodele called on the government at all levels to make regulations to control the illegal dumping of wastes and provide sanitation facilities at strategic places in the rural and urban slums in the state.

“Besides, community-based organisations and non-governmental organisations should support the government’s efforts through programmes that promote environmental sanitation awareness in schools, households, and communities.

“We believe these strategies will go a long way to address the prevalence of gastroenteritis and ensure the population leads a productive life,” Ayodele said.

He said that several factors, including poor living conditions, lack of potable water, sanitation, and hygiene services, account for the transmission of gastroenteritis.

He said that using appropriate measures, such as proper sanitation, safe drinking water, non-contaminated foods and vaccination could eradicate the menace.

Ayodele advised residents to always keep their environment clean for the safety of the habitats and communities.