Environment
Experts call for proper disposal of wastewater
Experts have called for effective ways to dispose wastewater, because it was the leading cause of surface and ground water pollution.
Some Environmental and Health experts told the our correspondent that safe disposal of wastewater remained a serious problem in the country.
Mr Sylvester Arogundade, Earth and Environment Initiative, noted that indiscriminate wastewater disposal had the potential of causing groundwater and surface water contamination, leading to environmental pollution.
Wastewater, also known as sewage water is the polluted form of water generated through rainwater runoff and human activities, such as the use of pesticides, harmful medical wastes and toxic substances.
“It is estimated that the country will experience rapid growth in population, urbanisation, agricultural and industrial development.
“This growth will also result in corresponding increase in wastewater generation in urban areas raising concerns about environmental pollution resulting from the quality of wastewater disposed to sensitive environment.
“The effects of untreated or poorly treated wastewater can be detrimental to public health, the environment and the economy’’.
The expert noted that tiers of government ought to seek out measures to end problems of wastewater, saying delay in doing so may increase water-related diseases and rise in epidemics.
“From the side of the Federal, state and local governments, wastewater is still uncontrolled and unregulated.
“This means that we (the citizens) create and will have to solve our own wastewater problems. When we fail to; water-related diseases, and epidemics are inevitable’’.
Ms Joy Ikpeazu, an Environmental Health Officer, noted that communities, citizen groups and individuals could take active role in protecting their water sources from contamination.
She said a large number of products used at home contained hazardous substances which could contaminate ground or surface water, saying people must limit the use of pesticides and fertilisers while practicing farming.
Ikpeazu listed effects of water pollution to include; the destruction of biodiversity, contamination of food chain, low access to potable water, diseases and infant mortality.
“Groundwater can be contaminated by poorly or untreated household wastewater, which poses dangers to drinking water and to the environment.
“Once water is polluted or contaminated, it is difficult and costly to remove the pollutants.
“Malfunctioning septic tanks could release bacteria, viruses and chemicals to water ways, the average household septic system should be inspected at least every three years by a professional’’.
She, however, called for safe treatment of wastewater, so as to make it useful for irrigation and energy production, saying the UN had predicted that half of the world’s population would live in water-scare areas by 2025.
The Lagos State Police Command on Saturday confirmed the death of a 20-year-old female staff and injuries to 13 others following a gas explosion at a fast food restaurant in the Ajah area of the state.
Zagazola Makama reports that the incident occurred at about 3:00 p.m. on July 19, at No. 5 Spring Garden Estate, Orchid Road, Ajah.
According to a police sources, the restaurant, owned by one Uchechukwu Godwill Villason, was gutted by fire caused by a suspected gas leak, leading to a massive explosion and subsequent inferno.
A police source at the Lagos State Command said: “Thirteen staff members sustained varying degrees of burns during the incident and were immediately rushed to the General Hospital, Gbagada, for medical treatment.”
Tragically, one of the victims, identified as Kingsley Promise, a 20-year-old female and native of Akwa Ibom State, succumbed to her injuries while receiving treatment.
Police detectives from the division visited the scene for documentation and evidence collection. The affected hospital was also visited, where the deceased’s body and the condition of the injured victims were assessed.
The remains of the deceased have been evacuated to the Mainland General Hospital morgue, Yaba, for autopsy, while investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing.
The command advised business owners handling gas-powered appliances to ensure regular maintenance and safety checks to avert similar tragedies.
By: Ali Musa Biu
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday, received former President Muhammadu Buhari who was in the state to commiserate with the people and government over the 10th of September flood disaster.
Parts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, and its surrounding local government areas were struck by a devastating flood that claimed several lives and destroyed many properties.
President Buhari who was out of the country when the flood disaster occurred earlier sent a high powered delegation to commiserate with the government and made a N20m donation to the state relief fund.
Making his remarks during the visit, Buhari said, “When this disaster happened, having been governor in Borno during my military career, I could hardly imagine such disaster. I was out of the country, all I could do was to send people to come and sympathise with you.”
In their separate remarks, Governor Zulum and the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai Elkanemi, expressed gratitude to the former President for the visit.
The former president was accompanied by the ex-Secretary to the federal government, Boss Mustapha, Engr. Sulaiman Adamu, Sen. Hadi Sirika, Prof. Isa Pantami, Engr. Aliyu Mamman, Garba Shehu, Emeka Nwajiuba, Musa Haro Danmadami among other associates.
By: Ali Musa Biu
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday, received former President Muhammadu Buhari who was in the state to commiserate with the people and government over the 10th of September flood disaster.
Parts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, and its surrounding local government areas were struck by a devastating flood that claimed several lives and destroyed many properties.
President Buhari who was out of the country when the flood disaster occurred earlier sent a high powered delegation to commiserate with the government and made a N20m donation to the state relief fund.
Making his remarks during the visit, Buhari said, “When this disaster happened, having been governor in Borno during my military career, I could hardly imagine such disaster. I was out of the country, all I could do was to send people to come and sympathise with you.”
In their separate remarks, Governor Zulum and the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai Elkanemi, expressed gratitude to the former President for the visit.
The former president was accompanied by the ex-Secretary to the federal government, Boss Mustapha, Engr. Sulaiman Adamu, Sen. Hadi Sirika, Prof. Isa Pantami, Engr. Aliyu Mamman, Garba Shehu, Emeka Nwajiuba, Musa Haro Danmadami among other associates.
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