FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, on Monday in Kwali Area Council of the territory flagged off inclusive sensitization on environmental sanitation.
The event which was part of measures to increase public awareness on sound environmental practices in all communities across the six area councils is to inculcate in residents the habit of maintaining clean and hygienic environments in the satellite towns.
According to the minister, “The FCT Administration is required to implement higher standards of environmental sanitation and orderliness as its 4th Performance Deliverable under the Next Level Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“As we continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that communities take action to prevent further transmission, reduce the impacts of the outbreak and support control measures. Proper waste management and good hygiene practices are critical to enhancing public health and are indispensable for optimal economic productivity. It is for this reason that the FCT Administration, through the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), initiated the ‘Inclusive Sensitisation On Environmental Sanitation’ in all communities in the FCT, to ensure that everyone gets involved in taking actions to guarantee a healthy environment,” the minister said..
While noting that most of the diseases affecting people are as a result of poor environmental hygiene practices, the effect of which has been an increase in morbidity and mortality rates in children under five, the minister gave assurance that the FCTA shall continue to enforce existing policies and guidelines on issues related to acceptable waste management practices.
The minister affirmed that indiscriminate disposal of wastes has an impact not only on public health, but also on human dignity and personal safety. She stated that the scheme launched would greatly improve the health conditions of residents of the FCT and take a step closer to achieving one of the cardinal objectives of the Administration while advancing the cause of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) attainment.
The Director, Environmental Services, Satellite Town Development Department (STDD), Mr Olusegun Olusa, in his overview of the scheme said the FCT master plan made provision for development of sanitary/engineered landfills at Gosa in Abuja Municipal Area Council and Guabe in Kuje Area Council but regretted that both lands have been seriously encumbered.
“The FCTA is working on the design of an engineered landfill to be situated at 350 hectares currently being salvaged from 500 hectares originally provided for in the master plan at Gosa and when developed, it will serve as the final treatment site for waste from FCC and the Area Council,” Olusa said.