THE Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) says it will reintroduce monthly sanitation and street visitation by sanitary inspectors to districts within the Federal Capital Territory and environs.

Dr Bawuro Yahaya, Board Chairman of the AEPB, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, in Abuja.

He explained that the move was to help maintain Abuja’s cleanliness, improve its environment and boost the overall wellbeing of the residents.

He disclosed that the board would put measures in place to support the AEPB management, with other relevant agencies.

Yahaya said that the measures included initiating market and abattoir sanitation in order to sanitise the places and enhance good health of the residents.

“We do not want to see refuse dumped indiscriminately anywhere in the FCT.

“When the solid wastes are generated, we will sort them out into organic and non-organic materials and dispose them appropriately and in a very healthy manner,” he said.

Yahaya added that the administration was determined to evolve a lasting solution to waste management.

“Separation of solid waste into organic and non-organic wastes so that organic waste could be used as manure, which is the best form of fertiliser.

“The board is responsible for general cleaning of the FCT, involving pollution control, environmental degradation control, as well as management of solid and liquid wastes among others,’’ he added.

On noise pollution, the chairman said, some recreational centres and night clubs, among others, within residential areas are generating noise pollution.

“We want people to get the right decibels of noise and avoid polluting the environment and causing harm to others in their neighbourhoods,’’ he said.

Yahaya again warned the residents against blocking drainages with refuse, and noted that many people did not know that such practices were responsible for flooding.

He appealed to residents to stop burning tyres in inappropriate places in the territory.

“Most of these are the responsibilities of area councils and the chairmen of these councils are all members of the board; so we will work together to achieve our goal.

“We will ensure they plant trees, which will not only beautify the environment but will also fight deforestation,’’ he pointed out.

He urged residents of the FCT to support the board in its bid to make Abuja a cleaner and more environmentally friendly city.

Yahaya disclosed the board’s plan to institute a price-based award system for the cleanest market, area council and other sectors to encourage greater citizen participation in keeping the FCT clean. (NAN)

– Feb.  27, 2018 @ 15:55 GMT |