By Chibuzor Ogode
The Director General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA), Patrick Ukah, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustaining the Sanitation Advocacy Campaign across the Capital Territory until all residents adopt and maintain proper environmental sanitation and hygiene practices. He emphasized that significant resources and manpower have been deployed to ensure the campaign’s success.
During the third day of the community-based sanitation exercise and sensitization program, Mr. Vincent Okwofadjeke, DSCTDA’s Manager of Administration and Finance, addressed market traders at Ogbogonogo Market.
He stressed that maintaining a clean environment is a shared responsibility essential for preventing the spread of diseases.
Mr. Isaac Nwoso, Head of Environment, and Mr. John Ijedie, Manager of Investment and Business Promotions, accompanied him. Taskforce Officers and other DSCTDA staff were also present to oversee the second phase of the “Secured Clean and Green” exercise.
As part of the initiative, task force officers cleared drainage systems at Akpo Junction by desilting blocked channels, with waste trucks promptly removing the debris.
Vincent Okwofadjeke explained that the current cleanup exercise follows up on last year’s “Secured Clean and Green” campaign, reinforcing the need for a consistently clean environment to safeguard the socio-economic well-being of all residents.
While engaging with traders at Ogbogonogo Market, Okwofadjeke reminded them that the market had previously been shut down due to unsanitary conditions. He 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, Mr. Isaac Nwoso, Head of Environment at DSCTDA, emphasized that the cleanup exercise would extend to various public spaces, including markets, to encourage sustainable sanitation practices among residents.
He reiterated that the agency’s advocacy efforts aim to instill voluntary and long-term compliance with proper waste management practices.
Speaking on the campaign’s economic and health benefits, Mr. John Ijedie, Manager of Investment and Business Promotions, highlighted that raising awareness about sanitation practices is crucial in 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 cannot continually monitor every location.
DSCTDA Director General Patrick Ukah further stressed the importance of waste bin ownership in every household within Asaba and encouraged residents to support the Public Sector Partnership (PSP) operators for proper waste disposal. According to him, economic activities across the metropolis will thrive if all residents adhere to sanitation best practices.
In his contribution, the Ugoani of Okpanam, HRM Michael Mbanefo, pledged his support in enforcing the sanitation campaign within the Okpanam Kingdom when the team visited his palace. 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. Additionally, he emphasized that security is 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.
So far, the sanitation advocacy campaign has covered key locations within the Capital Territory, including Textile Mill Road, Mamie Market, Ogbogonogo Market, Nnebisi Road, Interbau Roundabout, Akpo 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.
