By Kemi Olatunde

The significance of a neat environment extends far beyond mere appearance. It influences our mental clarity, productivity, health, emotional well-being, and our relationship with the environment. By prioritizing cleanliness and organization, Ondo state is determined to create spaces that enhance our quality of life, making small yet impactful changes that resonate across various aspects of our lives. Cultivating a neat environment is a simple yet powerful way to promote a healthier, happier existence.

There used to be a time in Ondo State that a visitor in Akure, the state capital was welcomed with the stench that oozed out from  heaps of waste most in different locations along  the popular Oba Adesida road, especially the market area. The heap seemed to increase each hour thus  becoming an eyesore  for passersby to behold.

Maintaining a clean environment is crucial for several reasons, encompassing health, ecological balance, and socio-economic benefits. A clean environment directly impacts public health by reducing exposure to pollutants and hazardous materials, which can lead to respiratory diseases, allergies, and other health issues. Clean air and water are fundamental for well-being, and their degradation can have devastating effects on communities.

Ecologically, a clean environment fosters biodiversity and supports ecosystems. Healthy ecosystems provide essential services, such as pollination, water purification, and climate regulation. Pollution and waste can disrupt these systems, leading to loss of species and habitats, which ultimately affects food security and the overall resilience of the planet.

Socially, a clean environment enhances quality of life. Clean public spaces promote community pride and encourage outdoor activities, contributing to physical and mental well-being. Furthermore, areas with better environmental conditions often attract businesses and tourism, leading to economic growth.

From an ethical standpoint, maintaining a clean environment reflects our responsibility to future generations. Sustainable practices ensure that natural resources are available for years to come, fostering a culture of stewardship and respect for the planet.

Prioritizing a clean environment is vital for health, ecological integrity, economic vitality, and ethical responsibility, making it imperative for individuals, communities, and governments to work collaboratively towards sustainable practices.

It is worthy of note that government’s investment in effective waste disposal can yield wide-ranging benefits that enhance public health, environmental integrity, and economic vitality while fostering community engagement and resilience.

In view of the above, the government of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has made efforts to ensure that the best practices are maintained in caring for the environment, especially in effective waste disposal.

The government is rightly informed that its investment in this sector brings about enhanced waste management systems which can significantly decrease reliance on landfills, which are sources of greenhouse gas emissions and land degradation.

Speaking with The Hope, Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Oyeniyi Oseni noted that the government has given priority to proper waste management which according to him reduces breeding grounds for pests, such as rodents and insects, that can transmit diseases adding that well-managed waste disposal leads to cleaner public spaces, which can reduce the incidence of health-related issues in communities.

While noting that government investment in effective waste disposal can yield wide-ranging benefits that enhance public health, environmental integrity, and economic vitality, he stated that an adequate system has been put in place in the state to ensure effective waste management.

Oseni who maintained that there is a new lease of life in the environment assured of giving the best to ensure that the state becomes the neatest in Nigeria.

“We have stepped up activities to ensure that public waste collection and disposal is sustained. The Ondo State Waste Management Authority (OSWMA) is ensuring prompt collection of waste in public places

“We have our system that addresses waste and every morning, the median and other public places are maintained by addressing the waste disposed indiscriminately there. Those in charge ensure the state is kept clean daily. They work round the clock.

“Our people are on ground and will stick to the strategy that has made us maintain a clean state.”

Speaking further, the Commissioner said that more waste collectors (PSPs) are on the ground in the state to deliver qualitative service calling on residents to embrace proper containerization of their waste for proper collection by the PSPs.

“Before this administration came on board, there were about 13 PSPs with coverage of five zones, now, we can boast of 33 zone coverage.

“We hope that more people come on board to cover more areas in the state.

“People of the state must always bag their waste for proper collection by service providers. They should have waste bins. Waste is an asset, those that can be exchanged for money should be separated for such purpose while those meant for landfill should be given out to waste collectors to create a sustainable environment.

“Also people must not block the drainage to allow free flow of water in our canals and rivers.

“Traders in markets must bag their waste for disposal in the mega waste bins which have been put in strategic locations in the state. The mega bins are picked up for evacuation as and when due.”

However, he advocated for more PSPs in the state calling on the existing ones to sustain their level of activities to surpass the present coverage in the state.