Chukwuma Chiamaka
All though we take it for granted, sanitation is a physical measure that has probably done more to increase human life span than any kind of drug or surgery. The word sanitation also refers to the maintenance of hygienic conditions, through services such as garbage collection and wastewater disposal.
Nigeria has become engulfed in filth. Almost every street and gutter in our communities is choked with solid and liquid waste. There is so much negligence and no show of concern when people are disposing off refuse generated at homes and workplaces. Rubbish and waste materials are haphazardly dumped anywhere in the environment, spreading deadly diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea and malaria.
Several measures by successive governments to curb this national menace have not yielded the desired results.
However, most Nigerians seem not to recognize the importance of sanitation in the country as they show no interest in the clean-up exercises and are, therefore, reluctant to participate. This apathetic attitude, is hampering the government’s intend of making Nigeria the cleanest country in Africa.
Nigerians must show commitment when it comes to sanitation since cleaning our communities will help reduce conditions that breed diseases such as cholera.
Natural disasters such as flood may also be prevented when drains and gutters are cleared for running water to pass freely.
We must know that sanitation is individual responsibility and not necessarily the duty of the government, even though there is the need to fight it together.
Individuals must avoid dumping refuse and defecating at open places. But for individuals to avoid dumping refuse and defecating at open places, government must also implement sanitation policies and ensure enforcement of sanitation regulations.
