Evacuate wastes to avert waterborne disease outbreaks, Bauchi govt urged

The District Head of Bauchi metropolis, Alhaji Nura Jumba has called on the state government to intensify efforts at evacuating waste, to avert outbreaks of waterborne diseases in the state.

In an interview on Monday, in Bauchi, Jumba expressed worry over the possible outbreak of waterborne diseases in some communities in the state.

He urged government agencies responsible for waste management, it’s safe handling, and final disposal, to consider it as vital in any effective emergency response.

“There is a need for the government to treat waste management, including medical, household, and other hazardous waste.  They need to do that as an urgent and essential public service, in order to minimize possible secondary impacts on health and the environment.

“During waterborne disease outbreaks, many types of additional medical and hazardous waste are generated,” Jumba said.

The Community leader said effective waste management required appropriate identification, collection, separation, transportation, and storage, in addition to treatment, disposal, and associated aspects that include disinfection and personnel protection.

Jumba emphasized the importance of implementing measures to solve the water, sanitation, and hygiene challenges of the affected areas, including mobilizing the community and traditional leaders to commit to creating awareness of households on garbage collection, desludging of latrines.

“Removing the dumped waste in the community and disinfecting would prevent water-borne disease.

“To also ensure safe drinking water by cleaning the source of potable water through the distribution of chlorine tablets,” he said.