Sustainable Environmental Project In Kano State

By 

Emeka Chiakwelu    

strategist@afripol.org

Nigeria as a nation and sociological entity does not give any credence in the maintenance of her ecological and environmental integrity. Rubbish and debris are carelessly littered on the roadside and in the gutters. Some parts of Nigeria's landscape are being reclaimed by desert, erosion and gullies. No adequate attention has been given to these disasters and the disfiguration of the environmental aesthetic of our great country Nigeria.

As a readjustment to reality of the situation, Kano State has embarked on this project of finding a sustainable and permanent solution to the management of solid waste by setting up an integrated waste disposal facility. This is an impressive development and a gallant effort to have a healthier state. The government of Kano must be encouraged by the federal government in the effort to strategically collect, recycle and disposed her debris and waste materials in a safe and healthy procedural methodology. This paradigm initiated by Kano government is worth emulating. For this development the Afripol Organization honored the executive governor of Kano state: His Excellency Mallam Dr. Ibrahim Shekarau with the achievement award titled

THE ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNOR. http://www.afripol.org/Governors.htm                                                             

The integrated disposal of waste connotes  solid waste service and prudent management which will be instituted for the collection, disposal and recycling of discarded materials in a manner that will be safe, efficient, environmentally sound and cost-effective. Landfills which are the final destination for the housing of waste materials will also be the center for collection and separation of materials for recycling. Recycling is not only cost effective but necessary, to ensure a greener environment and non-hazardous ecosystem, while simultaneously making available of much needed raw materials for further production and creation of wealth. 

The next step for government of Kano state is to wage a mass media education and public relationship campaign in order to inform her citizens of the importance of maintaining a clean ambiance in the state. The public must be given the informative tool to enable them comprehend the role they can play in the cost effective methodology of waste collection and disposal. When the public understands the importance of efficient waste disposal, they can be a committed partner in the reality of keeping the state clean.

For the enhancement of the standard operation procedure, just like the advice and recommendations I gave to Anambra state government:"Trash containers are to be emptied at a minimum of once a week. All collected trash and debris will to be hauled to an approved landfill by licensed solid waste disposal vehicles. Vehicles used to haul the debris shall have a sealed bottom to prevent leaks or seepage, and the trash materials shall be covered while the load is in transit. All personnel will be instructed the correct procedure for trash disposal."

External monitors and strategists in the form of experts, consultants and managers are needed to work with government. The working together of the government and private entities will encourage transparency and accountability. The intervention of private industry in government bureaucracy introduces the dynamics of market place and curtail runaway cost of a project. It will also booster democratic capitalism and efficient application and utilization of scare resources.

With this venture, Kano state will become an example to the rest of Nigerian states and National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA). The advantages of a clean environment cannot be overemphasis including the drastic curtailed on misquotes and malaria, clean underground water, clean air and overall enhancement and enrichment of optimum health and well being for the citizens. One thing for sure: Sound health is great wealth.
 

Mr. Emeka Chiakwelu is the Principal policy strategist at Afripol Organization. Africa Political and Economic Strategic Center (Afripol) is foremost a public policy center whose fundamental objective is to broaden the parameters of public policy debates in Africa. To advocate, promote and encourage free enterprise, democracy, sustainable green environment, human rights, conflict resolutions, transparency and probity in Africa.