By Anita Chukwuma
ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State’s residents have received a stern advisory to prioritize cleanliness and hygiene in their surroundings to avert the proliferation of pests and disease vectors. They have been cautioned against allowing stagnant water, uncleared vegetation, and unclean kitchenware, as these can foster the breeding of pests.
Mr. Sylvester Ofuyekpone, the Chief Scientific Officer within the Sanitation and Waste Management Department of the Delta State Ministry of Environment, emphasized this necessity during a recent fumigation drive conducted at the commissioners’ quarters over the weekend.
Ofuyekpone, leading a team from the department during the fumigation, articulated that the primary objective was to eradicate rodents and larvae both indoors and outdoors within government officials’ residences.
This initiative followed previous fumigation efforts at the legislators’ quarters and Fine Home Estate, designated residences for state lawmakers and high-ranking government personnel.
On Saturday, November 18, 2023, the fumigation extended to the Commissioners’ Quarters, Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters, Chief of Staff, and Secretary to the State Government Quarters.
Ofuyekpone underscored the crucial role of this exercise in curbing diseases resulting from infestations by rats, rodents, mosquitoes, and other vectors, which could eventually overwhelm healthcare facilities.
“This is among the fundamental duties of the Ministry of Environment. We safeguard the environment to prevent infections. By averting infections within our surroundings, we can alleviate the burden on hospitals,” explained Mr. Ofuyekpone in an interview.
Encouraging a proactive approach, the sanitation officer urged Delta residents to consistently uphold a pristine environment.
“Maintaining cleanliness in your surroundings is paramount. Clearing bushes, eliminating stagnant water, responsibly disposing of waste through Private Sector Participants (PSPs), and adopting a ZERO waste approach will significantly reduce pests and infestations in your homes,” emphasized Ofuyekpone.
He stressed that neglecting household hygiene facilitates the proliferation of rats, rodents, and mosquitoes, while advocating for the regular washing of dishes to deter pests.
Furthermore, Ofuyekpone advised the populace to prioritize clearing bushes and eliminating stagnant water to impede the proliferation of vectors and pests, ultimately reducing diseases and lessening hospital visits.
Taking the opportunity, he disclosed plans for the forthcoming fumigation of major markets and dumpsites across the state by year-end, highlighting their criticality in commerce and the necessity of fumigation to repel pests and vectors.
Mrs. Patience Owivre, a deputy director in the Department of Sanitation and Waste Management, reiterated the state government’s commitment to its citizens’ health.
“Our focus is on pests and vector control. The Delta State Ministry of Environment is deeply committed to the health and safety of its people,” affirmed Owivre. She emphasized the endeavor’s aim to safeguard public health by ensuring a secure environment devoid of harmful pests and insects.
