NAN-H-49
Diseases
By Ugonne Uzoma
Owerri, April 19, 2017(NAN) Some residents of Owerri have called for improved management of the environment to check the outbreak of diseases.
The residents in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday called on the state government to fumigate the city periodically to reduce the infestation of mosquitoes.
They also called for the prompt and daily removal of waste in the city to ensure a healthy environment.
Mr Joe Iwuagwu, a landlord in Ikenegbu, Owerri, said the infrequent disposal of waste by the relevant agencies made it easier for mosquitoes to breed and infect people with malaria.
Iwuagwu also said waste blocked drains in the area and created stagnant water for mosquitoes to breed.
He appealed to the government to arrange periodic fumigation of the city through Imo Environmental Transformation Commission.
Iwuagwu said the residents would willingly pay for such services.
Ngozi Anyanwu, also a resident, added that the use of stronger insecticides would better help in fighting mosquitoes.
Anyanwu said the use of regular insecticides had proved to be counter-productive in fighting mosquitoes.
Mrs Chioma Agu, a hospital worker, said the incidence of malaria cases in the hospital was frequent.
She added that patients admitted for other health problems were given antimalarial drugs in addition to the medicines necessary for their primary ailments.
She called for urgent action to be taken by the government to end the problem. (NAN)
UOI/JCE
Edited by Chukwudi Ekezie