By Chibuzor Ogode
The Director General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA), Hon. Patrick Ukah, has reaffirmed the agency’s unwavering commitment to continue its Sanitation Advocacy Campaign across the Capital Territory until all residents adopt and sustain proper sanitation and hygiene practices.
He emphasized that significant resources and manpower have been mobilized to achieve the campaign’s long-term goals.
Speaking during the third day of the community-based sanitation and sensitization exercise, Mr. Vincent Okwofadjeke, DSCTDA’s Manager of Administration and Finance, addressed traders at Ogbogonogo Market.
He highlighted that maintaining a clean environment is a collective responsibility vital to preventing disease outbreaks.
He was joined by Mr. Isaac Nwoso, Head of Environment, and Mr. John Ijedie, Manager of Investment and Business Promotions.
Taskforce officers and DSCTDA staff also supervised the second phase of the “Secured Clean and Green” campaign.
As part of the exercise, blocked drainages at Akpo Junction were desilted, and debris was swiftly cleared by waste trucks.
Okwofadjeke noted that this current campaign builds on last year’s “Secured Clean and Green” initiative, reinforcing the importance of consistent environmental cleanliness to safeguard residents’ health and socio-economic well-being.
While addressing market traders, he recalled that Ogbogonogo Market had previously been shut down due to poor sanitation and urged traders to take ownership by properly disposing of waste and avoiding street trading.
“Diseases like cholera and typhoid thrive in environments plagued by open defecation, improper waste disposal, and poor hygiene.
Sanitation must become a daily habit, not a once-a-week ritual,” he emphasized.
Mr. Isaac Nwoso also pointed out that the cleanup campaign would extend across markets and public areas to promote sustainable hygiene practices.
He stressed that voluntary, long-term compliance is the ultimate goal of DSCTDA’s advocacy efforts.
Adding to this, Mr. John Ijedie highlighted the economic and health advantages of a clean environment.
“A healthy environment boosts productivity and extends life expectancy. We must take responsibility for our surroundings and report unhygienic practices, as the government can’t be everywhere at once,” he said.
Director General Patrick Ukah called for every household in Asaba to own a waste bin and support PSP (Public Sector Partnership) waste operators to ensure efficient waste disposal.
He emphasized that adherence to sanitation best practices is essential for thriving economic activities in the city.
During a visit to his palace, the Ugoani of Okpanam, HRM Michael Mbanefo, pledged his full support for enforcing the sanitation campaign in the Okpanam Kingdom.
He cited the biblical principle that “cleanliness is next to godliness” and called on the community to actively maintain a clean and secure environment.
He also commended Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for the ongoing road infrastructure projects in Okpanam and its environs.
The sanitation campaign has so far covered major areas including Textile Mill Road, Mamie Market, Ogbogonogo Market, Nnebisi Road, Interbau Roundabout, Akpo Junction, Stadium, Okpanam City Gate, and Okpanam Post Office.
DSCTDA remains dedicated to fostering a cleaner, safer, and healthier Delta Capital Territory through continuous public engagement and strict enforcement.
