By VICTOR GAI
Is it the heaps of dirt in the nooks and crannies of the city, the large hectares of land littered with waste, or the water passages that have gradually been turned into refuse dumping grounds?
As the rainy season approaches, residents of Plateau State are being urged to be more cautious about how they dispose of waste.Many drainage channels are now blocked with refuse, a situation environmentalists say is a major cause of flooding.
Areas such as Terminus have long been associated with poor waste management.Refuse is often seen along roadways and in drainage channels in the area.In contrast, neighbourhoods like Rayfield, where many affluent residents live, tend to maintain cleaner surroundings and better environmental conditions.
However, environmental cleanliness should not be determined by social or economic status.Every community across Plateau State deserves a clean and healthy environment.
Residents must therefore take responsibility for proper waste disposal.The government also needs to provide adequate and designated refuse dumping sites to support effective waste management across all parts of the state.
Observers say the habit is becoming increasingly worrisome.Both rural and urban communities continue to grapple with poor waste disposal practices.
Many residents admit that due to the lack of proper waste management facilities in some areas, they resort to dumping their refuse along road paths or into nearby drainages.
Plateau State is widely known as the “Home of Peace and Tourism.”However, the increasing presence of refuse across the environment raises questions about how well residents are protecting the natural beauty that earned the state its reputation.
Environmental experts warn that the consequences of these practices may soon become more evident.Blocked drainage channels, polluted surroundings, and unhealthy air are some of the dangers associated with indiscriminate refuse dumping.
When drainages are filled with waste, rainwater cannot flow freely.This increases the likelihood of flooding during heavy rainfall.With the rainy season fast approaching, water pathways and drainage systems may become difficult to access or function effectively.
This is due to the large amount of dirt and waste deposited in them.Some residents who spoke on the issue argued that inadequate waste management systems contribute to the problem.
They said that in certain communities, there are no designated government-approved locations for refuse disposal.This makes it difficult for residents to properly manage their waste.
While acknowledging that some residents are responsible for the situation, they believe that better waste collection systems and designated dumping sites would encourage more responsible disposal habits.
Meanwhile, as part of efforts to promote environmental cleanliness, the Plateau State Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) conducted the routine monthly environmental sanitation exercise across the state on the last Saturday of the month.
Although movement was not restricted during the exercise, officials of PEPSA actively monitored compliance.They also inspected key locations across the state.
A notable highlight of the exercise was the voluntary clearing of a drainage channel by members of the Isa El-Buba Foundation.
Officials described their proactive effort and commitment to community service as a commendable example worthy of emulation by other residents and organisations.During the inspection, PEPSA officials also visited restaurants in the Old Airport area of Jos.
Two establishments, Madam Calabar Restaurant and Calabar Restaurant, were sealed due to unkempt surroundings and poor sanitary conditions.In addition, some minors were reportedly found working in one of the restaurants.
Authorities referred the matter to the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Caroline Panglang Dafur, for appropriate action.The agency reiterated its commitment to maintaining a cleaner and healthier Plateau State.
According to PEPSA, environmental sanitation must not be limited to the monthly exercise.It should be practised consistently by residents and business owners.Residents are therefore encouraged to take greater responsibility for their environment.
They should dispose of waste properly and avoid dumping refuse in drainage and waterways.As the rains begin, keeping drainage channels free from waste will play a critical role in preventing flooding.It will also help in protecting communities across the state.