By SEKYEN WALSHAK
The Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) has recorded a high level of compliance in its April monthly sanitation exercise, signalling renewed public participation after two months of low-key observance due to various activities across the state.
Speaking during the exercise, Director General of PEPSA, Samuel Dapiya, expressed satisfaction with the turnout, stressing that sanitation in Plateau went beyond a once-a-month routine.
“For us, sanitation is not just a once-a-month activity. It is something we do every day, from Monday to Sunday, with a strong sense of responsibility because keeping Plateau clean and safe is a collective duty,” he said.
Dapiya explained that the April exercise was particularly significant as it coincided with collaboration between PEPSA and the Peace Riders of Nigeria, a group of bikers drawn from across the 36 states of the federation.
According to him, the visiting bikers arrived in Jos ahead the sanitation exercise and lined up a series of engagements, including visits to motor parks in partnership with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), as well as outreach programmes such as presentations at the School for the Deaf.
He described the initiative as symbolic, noting that it reflected growing national support for environmental sustainability and peace-building efforts in Plateau.
“If Plateau was not peaceful, we would not see people travelling long distances to be part of activities like this. This is a clear indication that Plateau remains the ‘Home of Peace and Tourism,’” Dapiya added.
The PEPSA boss acknowledged that the state had experienced some tension in recent times but maintained that there were strong indications that normalcy was returning, as residents were once again actively participating in public initiatives.
He also commended the state government for its support, noting that improved collaboration, including international partnerships, had enhanced the agency’s operations.
Beyond the monthly sanitation exercise, Dapiya disclosed that PEPSA had intensified community-level interventions, citing recent activities in Angwan Rukuba and ongoing partnerships with non-governmental organisations such as EBOMI.
Looking ahead to the rainy season, he urged residents to take proactive steps in maintaining their immediate environment, particularly by clearing gutters and drainage systems around homes and business premises.
“Do not wait for the government. Take responsibility by desilting gutters near you. When that is done, we can come in to evacuate the waste,” he advised.
He further disclosed that the agency would commence large-scale desilting of major waterways across the state by the first week of May to mitigate flooding risks.
Dapiya warned that flooding often affected even those not directly responsible for environmental negligence, hence the need for collective action.
He appreciated the support of traders’ unions, community leaders and other stakeholders, including the Miyetti Allah community and youth groups, for their continued cooperation in promoting a cleaner and safer Plateau.