From AMEDU JOSEPH, Lokoja
As the new government in Kogi State under the leadership of Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo settles down, the Executive Director, Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, Idris Miliki Abdul, has demanded for the review of sanitation policy in the state, to reflect the current challenges.
Miliki in a statement made available to journalists in Lokoja on recently, noted that Kogi State is witnessing not less than ten thousand vehicles crossing the state on daily bases which he said is posing environmental challenges because of human attitude due to negligence of basic hygiene.
According to him,”Lokoja the state headquarters, hosts various market and motor parks, but the environment situation in those places is worrisome, as they are unkempt.
” We are also worried, it seems there is no demarcation between the Sanitation Board and the company expected to clean Lokoja Tow, as in many occasions, the government vehicles are being used by private company engaged to clean the city.
“Worst of it all, is the unavailability of portable water in Kogi State, particularly in Lokoja that host both river Nija and Benue. It is condemnable that a state capital like Lokoja, will stay without water. Open defecation has become alarming rate in Lokoja town and across the state.
“Refuse are scattered across the town, without the evacuation as at when due, worst of all is the refuses dump sites have remain unkempt without proper management.
“We call on state of emergency on water and sanitation in Kogi State, without further delay.
“We recommend, specific date for cleaning specific market and all markets, which can not be done on the same day across board. This will not cost government beyond supervision, as all markets and motor parks should have a specific days and time for cleaning that will improve sanitation in those places.
“We call stakeholders conference on environment sanitation in Kogi state that will generate ideals on how to move this all important sector forward, that will include genuine professionals and relevant stakeholders”
