By Nasir Shuaibu (Bauchi State Correspondent)
The Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA) has inaugurated a new refuse dump centre at the entrance of Games Village in Jahun, Bauchi metropolis, as part of efforts to improve environmental sanitation and reduce indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the area.
The new facility is expected to ease waste disposal for residents of Games Village and surrounding communities, while helping to promote a cleaner and healthier environment.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Chairman of BASEPA, Mahmood Bose, said the initiative was in line with the commitment of the Bauchi State Government under Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed to improve sanitation in both urban and rural communities.
Bose said maintaining a clean environment was essential to preventing diseases and protecting public health, urging residents to support government efforts by disposing of their waste properly.
The District Head of Jahun, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmad, commended BASEPA and the state government for establishing the refuse dump centre, describing it as an important step towards improving sanitation in the community.
He pledged to ensure proper management and maintenance of the refuse collection facility, popularly known as the Refuse Dump Centre, and urged residents to make effective use of it.
The traditional ruler also warned residents against indiscriminate dumping of refuse, stressing that anyone who violated environmental sanitation laws would face appropriate sanctions.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Environment, alongside the Senior Special Assistants to the Governor on Environment, Yamai Muhammad and Aminu Kobi, urged residents to comply with environmental regulations and cooperate with relevant authorities in maintaining clean surroundings.
They called on residents to make use of designated refuse disposal centres rather than dumping waste along roads, drainage channels and other public spaces.
As part of the initiative, 14 wheelbarrows were distributed to community leaders to facilitate the collection of refuse from various neighbourhoods around Jahun and its environs and convey it to the designated disposal centre.
The officials expressed optimism that the initiative would contribute to improved sanitation, reduce environmental hazards and promote healthier living conditions for residents of the area. NNL.
