Residents of Jos, Plateau State, have received a clarion call from the Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) to actively engage in cleaning gutters and drainages within their communities. This initiative aims to preempt flooding issues in anticipation of the forthcoming 2024 rainy season.
Mr. Samuel Dapiya, the Director General of PEPSA, led the agency’s staff and partners in a flag-off exercise on Saturday, March 30th, 2024. The event marked the commencement of gutter and drainage distillation within the city center of Jos, the capital of Plateau State.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Mr. Dapiya emphasized the critical importance of gutter distillation before the onset of the rainy season. He stated, “We’re trying to make Plateau very safe, make Plateau very clean for Plateau people, and also to mitigate the issue of flooding.” Mr. Dapiya highlighted the limited resources of the government, underlining the necessity for community involvement in the cleaning process.
Acknowledging the magnitude of the task, Mr. Dapiya revealed that PEPSA had deployed over 120 personnel to undertake the project, targeting approximately 115 kilometers of drainage systems across the state. He urged community members, particularly young people, to actively participate in clearing drainages in their respective areas.
Expressing gratitude to volunteers and businesses that have consistently contributed to gutter evacuation efforts, Mr. Dapiya stressed the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining a clean environment. He credited the leadership of Governor Barrister Caleb Manesseh Mutfwang for supporting initiatives aimed at environmental sustainability.
The event also witnessed commendations from Mr. Appiah Jude, the North Central Zonal Director of the National Environment Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA). Mr. Jude urged citizens to adopt responsible waste disposal practices, emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental health and general well-being.
Echoing sentiments of collaboration, Arch Hart Bankat, the General Manager of Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB), emphasized the need for collective action in addressing environmental challenges. He underscored the role of every individual in ensuring the cleanliness of their surroundings and the proper maintenance of drainages.
The initiative represents a proactive step towards mitigating potential flooding risks and fostering a culture of environmental consciousness among citizens. As the rainy season approaches, the collaborative efforts of government agencies, businesses, and community members are poised to safeguard the well-being and infrastructure of Jos and its environs.
