Pollution
By Tosin Kolade
Abuja, May 2, 2018 (NAN) Mr Chukwudi Nwufo, Deputy Director, Engineering Services, Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, on Wednesday advocated the use of central sewage systems to reduce environmental pollution that may occur from waste disposal.
Nwufo said in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), that the step was necessary as the continued use of soak-away had been known to be an avenue for environmental pollution.
According to him, all universities, hospitals and estates ought to have a central sewage system and use of incinerators to reduce the spread of diseases that may occur from the disposal of waste.
He said there was a need for all stakeholders to ensure that the modern technology of central sewage system was practised, especially in developed countries.
“We need to emphasise that all new estates being built abide by having a central sewage system, which comes with electromechanical technology to degrade waste.
“This is done through oxidation; the wastes are treated to ensure a reduction in pollution, and further transfer to where it can be re-used for other purposes.”
Nwufo called on the citizens to use fibre tanks instead of plastic tanks for water storage, pointing out it was the leading cause of water pollution and sedimentation.
He noted that the use of fibre tanks was a potent way of maintaining water quality because when light entered the plastic tanks, it might spur the growth of algae, thereby affecting the stored water.
“We are calling on Nigerians to stop using plastic tanks to store water; it has been recognised that the tanks affect the quality of water stored in them.”
On wastewater, the deputy director noted that there was a need for a change of attitude toward its treatment, saying it was vital to reducing spread of diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea and typhoid, especially in children.
Nwufo called on governments at all levels to begin to implement wastewater treatment and reuse programmes and policies.
“We, as Nigerians, should begin to be more concerned about how we dispose the wastewater around us. Without this, the preservation of our water resources and the environment for the future, and children yet unborn, remains an illusion.” (NAN)
TAK/FLP/JCE
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Edited by Folorunso Poroye/ Chukwudi Ekezie