NAN-AE-5
Waste
By Vivian Emoni
Abuja, Feb. 9, 2017 (NAN) Mr Williams Osaze, President, Society for the Promotion of People’s Rights, an NGO, has called on residents of the FCT to be wary of indiscriminate burning of waste so as to avert fire incidents.
He made the call on Thursday in Abuja in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Osaze said that indiscriminate burning of garbage could inadvertently lead to the destruction of farm crops, property and lives.
He also urged the people to be mindful of how they disposed of their refuse, saying that they should exercise extreme caution while incinerating waste.
According to him, many fire outbreaks are often caused via indiscriminate burning of waste, which later engulfed structures.
“We should try to learn from the past mistakes of other people; we should not allow ourselves to fall into similar mistakes.
“We must always take precaution and stay away from any act that can provoke fire outbreaks,’’ he said.
Besides, Osaze warned the people against indiscriminate dumping of waste in drainage channels.
He said that such an aberration could result in blocking the flow of water in the drains, while provoking flooding during the rainy season.
“People have formed the habit of dumping waste on major streets, highways, drainage and water channels; thereby blocking water from flowing freely. This can lead to serious environmental hazards,’’ he said.
Osaze also said that the public should desist from such negative attitudes, while partaking in programmes designed to promote decency and environmental cleanliness.
He said that part of the main objectives of his organisation was to sensitise the public to the need to adopt good environmental practices, so as guard against the outbreak and spread of infectious diseases.
Osaze warned Nigerians to ensure the safety of the sources of their food and water as well as the health of their environment.
He solicited the support and cooperation of the residents in efforts to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment in Abuja and its environs. (NAN)
VOE/DO/OOK
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Edited by David Onilede and Dayo Komolafe