By Ufuoma Sekegor
The Delta State Waste Management Board has intensified its statewide environmental sanitation campaign with a fumigation exercise at the Agbor dumpsite in Ika South Local Government Area, aimed at curbing the spread of disease-causing organisms and improving public health.
The exercise, supervised by the Board’s Acting Chairman, Hon. Mrs Ethe Enifome Odunwa, forms part of an ongoing initiative to sanitise dumpsites and minimise the environmental and health hazards associated with improper waste management.
The operation in Agbor follows the commencement of the statewide fumigation campaign in Asaba, marking the Board’s renewed drive to promote environmental cleanliness and safeguard communities across Delta State.
Speaking during the exercise, Odunwa explained that the fumigation was designed to eliminate flies, mosquitoes, rodents, cockroaches and other disease-carrying pests commonly found around refuse dumps.
She stressed the importance of maintaining hygienic conditions at waste disposal sites, particularly those located close to residential areas.
“We cannot allow our dumpsites to become breeding grounds for diseases. This fumigation is to safeguard the health of Deltans, especially those living around dumpsites, and to ensure our environment is clean and safe,” she said.
The Acting Chairman disclosed that the exercise would be extended to other designated dumpsites in Ughelli, Warri, Sapele and other parts of the state.
She added that routine fumigation would become an integral component of the Board’s waste management operations to ensure sustained environmental hygiene and reduce the risks associated with the accumulation of refuse.
Odunwa also reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to supporting the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, particularly its emphasis on creating a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable environment for residents.
She called on Agbor residents to support the government’s efforts by adopting responsible waste disposal practices, patronising registered Private Sector Participants (PSPs) and avoiding indiscriminate dumping of refuse on road medians and in drainages.
The Acting Chairman noted that public cooperation remained essential to achieving lasting improvements in sanitation and preventing the recurrence of environmental hazards.
Some residents living near the Agbor dumpsite, who spoke with our correspondent, commended the Board for the intervention, expressing optimism that the exercise would help reduce offensive odours and minimise the presence of flies around their homes.
They also stressed the importance of sustaining the fumigation exercise to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for residents.
