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Momodou
Denmark
11792 Posts |
 Posted - 04 May 2006 : 13:20:33
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OPERATION CLEAN THE NATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
The monthly Operation Cleans the Nation, initiated and implemented by the Head of State in an effort to clean our Environment, is also said to be characterised by another Environmental pollution. The pollution of the Greater Banjul Area, after the Saturday Operation Clean the Nation, has compelled so many residents to speak to Foroyaa in an effort to express their concern, regarding the Nature of Pollution that they normally experienced after the exercise. According to one Bintu Kujabi, a resident of Talinding Sicap, who lives close to a mechanic garage, every time there is Operation Clean the Nation, the people at the garage take advantage of it to burn their old tyres pretending that they are also cleaning their Environment. She remarked that the burning of their tyres results to the emission of tick black smoke which she said, could lead to heart and chronic chest infections that could be very detrimental to human health.
Another woman, a resident of Ebo Town, also complained about the smoke that is they are exposed to after the Saturday Operation Clean the Nation exercise in the following words: “Though our environ is seen to be cleared, the smoke that is emitted is killing us. I think something needs to be done to address this situation; otherwise our health will be at risk. However, in my view, Enronmental Management does mean merely sweeping and burning rubbish.
The people must be educated first to know that they are responsible for the improvement of the degrading Environment and therefore they need to cooperate fully in order to sustainably manage the Environment. For instance, before we think of managing our waste, we have to put the issue of waste creation in to consideration. That means the people need to be sensitised regarding their attitude towards the creation of waste. The Government and organisations also dealing with the management of the Environment should also make sure that all unsustainable patterns of production be totally rejected through an Environment Impact Assassinate, EIA.” It could be recalled that some years ago waste management was much less of a problem; food and goods were wrapped in natural materials – banana and other leaves and occasionally newspapers. Clay pots were also used instead of bottles. These materials would quickly decay and be absorbed into the soil. But today much of what is available to us comes wrapped in plastic, in tin cans or plastic bottles. These materials are strong, light and cheap to manufacture but they can take a longtime to break down. Therefore, the attitudinal change towards the creation of waste through sensitisation is the most important issue that the people need to focus on rather than cleaning our environment just to realise another environmental pollution.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 34/2006, 4-7 May, 2006
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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