The Nasarawa State government has taken decisive action to tackle the significant health challenges facing its residents due to sanitation-related issues. The move comes as a response to the imminent threat of disease outbreaks resulting from inadequate adherence to sanitation protocols in the state.
In an announcement made by Engineer Yusuf Adeka, the General Manager of Nasarawa Environmental Protection Agency, the state government, in collaboration with local government councils, will establish a joint task force to enforce strict adherence to sanitation regulations. This task force will be responsible for intensifying monitoring efforts across the 13 local government areas to ensure compliance with sanitation guidelines.
The primary objective of these measures is to mitigate the risk of potential disease outbreaks and to improve overall public health in the state. Adeka emphasized the importance of a clean environment in preventing the outbreak of diseases and highlighted the government’s dedication to maintaining a clean state.
The Nasarawa State Government has designated the last Saturday of every month for comprehensive sanitation exercises, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring a healthy living environment for its residents. Adeka indicated that efforts in 2024 will focus on fully realizing the objectives established when the sanitation exercise was reintroduced in 2019 under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule.
Adeka expressed gratitude for the public’s considerable compliance during the December sanitation exercise and acknowledged the support received from security agencies, traditional rulers, the media, and the inspection team from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. He also urged local government chairmen to actively participate in the exercise, underscoring the need for their engagement in ensuring its sustainability.
Moreover, Adeka lauded residents, shop owners, and motorists for their contributions, such as clearing drainages and observing the restrictions during the exercise. However, despite the overall compliance, 15 individuals were apprehended in Lafia Local Government Area for various offenses, including conducting business and driving during the designated hours of the sanitation exercise.
The Nasarawa State government’s proactive measures to address sanitation concerns reflect its commitment to safeguarding public health and preventing potential disease outbreaks, underscoring the importance of community participation in sustaining a clean and healthy environment.
