Asaba: Addressing Sanitation Woes for a Healthier Future

ASABA, the capital of Delta State, once celebrated as a beacon of promise, now faces the imminent threat of becoming Nigeria’s most polluted, littered with bags of waste at strategic places and flooded state capital. This alarming trajectory demands urgent action from key stakeholders, including the Delta State Government, the Ministry of Environment, and other administrative bodies responsible for the city’s well-being.

A habitable city is characterized by its cleanliness, efficient waste management systems, and well-maintained infrastructure. Clean streets, functional drainage networks, and proper waste disposal are essential for ensuring public health and a high quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

Effective drainage systems are crucial. Beyond flood prevention, they safeguard public health and foster sustainable urban development. Robust drainage infrastructure mitigates property damage and curbs the spread of waterborne diseases, highlighting the multifaceted benefits of such investments.

Reports from concerned residents and visitors paint a bleak picture of Asaba’s current state. Blocked drainages, foul odours, particularly in areas like Shoprite and DBS Road, and neglected streets underscore the urgent need for intervention. Rampant littering and inadequate waste management practices have escalated the city’s sanitation crisis, posing a serious threat to public health.

The recent reports of Cholera in the state should be a wake up call for the management of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, DSCTDA, as this is a stark reminder of the dire consequences of neglecting basic hygiene and sanitation. Addressing these issues is imperative for safeguarding the health and well-being of the city’s inhabitants.

The 2024 theme for World Environment Day underscores the urgency of restoring degraded lands and building resilience against environmental challenges. In Asaba, this translates into tackling blocked drainage systems and improving waste management practices to mitigate the risk of flooding and erosion. Revitalizing the city’s infrastructure will enhance its resilience to climate-related threats and foster a healthier environment for all.

The link between economic prosperity and environmental sustainability cannot be ignored. Asaba’s potential as an economic hub hinges on its ability to provide a clean and welcoming environment for businesses, tourists, and investors. Prioritizing sanitation and infrastructure development can unlock new opportunities for growth and prosperity.

The June 5, 2024, World Environment Day Celebration, which the Delta State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR chose to mark its Diamond Anniversary, saw leaders and stakeholders echoing the need for decisive action to address Asaba’s environmental woes. From tree planting initiatives to comprehensive environmental preservation strategies, the consensus is clear: the time for action is now. It is imperative that we heed these calls and work together to restore Asaba to its former glory.

Sawyer Mitchell’s July 28, 2023, article titled “Clean City, Clear Mind,” published by World Cleanup Day, highlighted the benefits of a clean environment. Cleanliness isn’t just about aesthetics—it directly impacts our mental well-being. Research shows that a cleaner city can reduce stress levels, enhance cognitive function, and elevate mood. By prioritizing cleanliness and sustainability, we can create a healthier, happier environment for all.

Maintaining a clean city is a collective responsibility that requires the commitment of both government agencies and individual citizens. Through proper waste disposal, participation in community clean-up events, and advocacy for green spaces, each of us can contribute to building a cleaner, more vibrant Asaba. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and work together to restore our city to its rightful place as a beacon of progress and prosperity.

The deterioration of Asaba’s environment is a pressing issue that demands immediate action. By aligning with global and national environmental themes, Asaba can transform into a model of urban sustainability and economic vitality. The Delta State Government, DSCTDA, and relevant agencies must act swiftly to address the sanitation and infrastructure challenges. A clean, habitable Asaba is not just a dream—it is an achievable reality that requires commitment, collaboration, and decisive action.

The 2024 United Nations message on World Environment Day, “Time is running out, and nature is in emergency mode,” underscores the urgency of our situation. To keep global warming below 1.5°C this century, we must halve annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Without action, exposure to air pollution beyond safe guidelines will increase by 50% within the decade, and plastic waste flowing into aquatic ecosystems will nearly triple by 2040. This highlights the imperative for residents, government, and agencies to work diligently to ensure Asaba is cleared of dirt, blocked drains, and dirty streets.

One glaring issue is the Inter-Change at Koka, a busy corridor now used as a dumping site, while streets like the popular Gaga’s Street are blocked with waste. The ever-busy DBS Road emits a foul smell and floods during rainfall, as do many other parts of the town.

To achieve a cleaner and better city, proper enforcement is crucial. The government and its agencies should ensure that better drainage systems are built, opened, and desilted regularly. Individuals engaged in street sweeping should be adequately compensated. Only through such concerted efforts can we realize the vision of a cleaner, more livable city.

Julius Oweh, in his weekly “Delta Notes” column in the Pond Newspaper, aptly described the situation: “A day after Democracy Day in Asaba, the deluge of rains turned the Shoprite area to the Police headquarters on Okpanam Road into a mini lake. The rot in the multi-Naira Asaba drainage system, established under Senator Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration, was exposed. More than twenty Keke were marooned in the Shoprite area, along with several cars. The DBS Road was not spared either. Yet, this is the capital of oil-rich Delta State.”

“Constructing effective drainage systems in Asaba is not rocket science. Delta State officials, especially those in the Ministry of Works, should visit Onitsha during the rains to see how floodwaters disappear in less than five minutes. Let the Oborevwori MORE agenda be given practical attention, and Asaba can reclaim its status as a city of promise and progress.” He stated.

The Situation now is a time bomb. Asaba needs serious attention.

Emmanuel Ochonogor Enebeli, Anipr, CEO, Entrepreneur, Public Relations and Media Strategist, Environmental Advocate. Email: enebelli@hotmail.com, Phone: +234 (806) 331 9057