No Going Back On DSCTDA Sanitation Advocacy Campaign Until Full Compliance Is Achieved – Ukah

By Chibuzor Ogode

The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA), has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the Sanitation Advocacy Campaign across the Capital Territory until residents adopt and maintain proper environmental sanitation and best hygiene practices. 

The Director General of the Agency, Chief Patrick Ukah, who made the commitment on the third day of the ongoing community-based sanitation exercise and sensitization programme, said significant resources and manpower had been deployed to ensure the success of the ‘Secure, Clean and Green’ campaign.

The DG stressed the importance of every household within the State Capital Territory owning a waste bin and encouraged residents to support the Public Sector Partnership (PSP) operators for proper waste disposal. 

According to him, economic activities across the metropolis would thrive if all residents adhered to sanitation best practices.

Addressing traders at the Ogbeogonogo market, the Manager, Administration and Finance of the Agency, Mr. Vincent Okwofadjeke, stressed that maintaining a clean environment was a shared responsibility essential for preventing the spread of diseases.

Mr Okwofadjeke,Who was accompanied by the Head of Environment, Mr. Isaac Nwoso and Manager, Investment and Business Promotions, Mr. John Ijedie, as well as Taskforce Officers and other DSCTDA staff, explained that the current exercise was a follow up to last year’s “Secure, Clean and Green” campaign, reinforcing the need for a consistently clean environment to safeguard the socio-economic well-being of residents.

He reminded the traders that the market had previously been shut down due to unsanitary conditions, and urged them to take proactive steps to keep their surroundings clean, properly dispose of waste, and refrain from street trading.

“As we all know, many diseases spread through contaminated water and food due to poor sanitation practices such as open defecation, improper waste management, and lack of personal hygiene. Therefore, sanitation must become a daily practice, not just an activity reserved for Thursdays”, he stated.

Similarly, the Head of Environment, Mr. Isaac Nwoso, emphasized that the cleanup exercise would extend to various public spaces to encourage sustainable sanitation practices among residents.

He reiterated that the Agency’s advocacy efforts aimed to instill voluntary and long-term compliance with proper waste management practices.

On the campaign’s economic and health benefits, the Manager, Investment and Business Promotions, Mr. John Ijedie, highlighted that raising awareness about sanitation practices was crucial to preventing communicable diseases.

“If we take care of our environment, it will, in turn, take care of us, improving overall health and increasing our life expectancy”, he stated. 

He urged residents to take ownership of their environment by maintaining cleanliness and reporting unsanitary behaviors, as the government could  hardly continue to monitor every location.

When the team visited the palace of the Ugoani of Okpanam, HRM Michael Mbanefo, the traditional ruler pledged his support in enforcing the sanitation campaign within the Okpanam Kingdom.

He referenced the biblical principle that “cleanliness is next to godliness” and urged the community to actively participate in maintaining a clean and safe environment. 

The Ugoani emphasized that security remained a collective responsibility and expressed gratitude to the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for the various ongoing road projects in Okpanam and beyond.

As part of the clean up exercise, the Taskforce Officers cleared drainage systems at Akpu Junction, on Okpanam road, by desilting blocked channels, with waste trucks promptly removing the debris.

So far, the sanitation advocacy campaign has covered key locations within the Capital Territory, including Textile Mill road, Mamie market, Ogbeogonogo market, Nnebisi road, Interbau roundabout, Akpu junction, Stadium, Okpanam City Gate, and Okpanam Post Office.

Through continuous engagement and enforcement, DSCTDA remains committed to ensuring a cleaner, healthier, and more habitable environment for all residents.