The Nasarawa State government has announced strategic measures to address the pressing health challenges faced by residents of the state.
This is in response to the looming threat of disease outbreaks resulting from the violation of sanitation exercises in the state.
General Manager, Nasarawa Environmental Protection Agency, Engineer Yusuf Adeka, on Saturday revealed that the state government, in collaboration with local government councils, would establish a joint taskforce to enforce sanitation exercises.
The taskforce will be mandated to intensify monitoring efforts across the 13 local government areas, ensuring strict adherence to sanitation regulations.
Adeka stated that the move is aimed at mitigating the risk of potential disease outbreaks and enhance overall public health in the state.
“If the environment is kept clean, it will guard against the possible disease outbreak, thereby ensuring improved healthy living for the people,” stated Adeka.
He added that the Nasarawa State Government has committed to maintaining the state's status as a clean state, designating the last Saturday of every month for comprehensive sanitation exercises.
According to him, efforts would be intensified in 2024 to fully realize the objectives set when the sanitation exercise was reintroduced in 2019 under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule.
Commending the public for their impressive compliance during the December sanitation exercise, Adeka acknowledged the support from security agencies, traditional rulers, the media, and the inspection team from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.
While expressing satisfaction with the level of compliance, the Adeka urged local government chairmen to actively engage in the exercise to ensure its sustainability.
He specifically lauded residents, shop owners, and motorists for their contributions, such as clearing drainages and staying off the roads during the exercise.
Meanwhile, 15 persons were apprehended in Lafia Local Government Area for various offenses, including conducting business and driving during the designated hours of the sanitation exercise.
