Lagos – An environmentalist, Mr Akin Akingbehin, has called on the various Local Government Councils to ensure that fumigation was carried out frequently to safeguard the environment from rodents and pest.
Akingbehin, who is also the Chairman, Environmental Health Officers Association (EHO), said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday.
He added that that the fumigation would go a long way to reduce the spread of Lassa fever as rats were the major vectors that carried the virus.
The chairman said that the exercise would also ensure that more awareness was created on the importance of environmental cleanliness and sustainability.
“The exercise was a huge success in Lagos State with the support and collaboration of all the stakeholders and the various market leaders in all the Local Governments visited.
“The essence of the exercise is to also create awareness on the importance to safeguard our immediate surroundings to keep our markets, schools and hospitals safe from pest and rodents.
“We appeal that the various Local Governments should continue the task of monitoring the community and also take time out to fumigate the public places frequently to avoid rush hour emergency intervention,’’ he said.
He disclosed that the professional body is further embarking on `Zero tolerance’ on illegal structures, shanties and clearing of spaces that serves as hideout for miscreants.
Akingbehin advised proprietors of private and public schools to be more proactive and environmental-conscious of their school premises to ensure that all sanitary places are kept clean and healthy.
He said refuse bins should be kept far way from students and pupils to avoid contacts with pest and rodents.
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“It is also good to educate students at all levels to imbibe the culture of personal hygiene and environmental sanitation to prevent infestation by rodents and pest and other species of rodents that could spread Lassa fever and other diseases,’’ he said.
He appealed to the state government to provide adequate security to dislodging hoodlums, who use the public schools to carry out their dangerous activities.
“We appeal to the state government and Local Government Councils in the state to ensure checks of all schools after school hours, to ensure that hoodlums and miscreants are kept out of the premises, especially public schools,’’ he said.
Akingbehin said the fumigation is still ongoing in abattoirs, schools and other public places. (NAN)
