Owerri, the Imo State capital is gradually degenerating in terms environmental cleanliness.
From stuffed, stinking drainages (gutters) to littered streets with perishable and non perishable items, the odour oozing out of this drainages and some dirty spots in the city, can endanger the health of the residents.
The prevailing environmental situation in Owerri, is a reminder of the days when Owerri was consistently rated the cleanest State in Nigeria.
Both the government and the citizens have their own share of the blame. Many feel that government may not have not taken the necessary measures to ensure sustainable environmental cleanliness in Owerri, aside speculations of lack of zeal to sustain the road sweepers.
Residents make matters worse by their careless disposal of refuse. Just as in the case of breach of traffic rules, even government officials sometimes
fail to show examples in the manner they dispose of refuse.
Fact remains that dirty environment leads to diseases, sometimes epidemic.
The government must put measures in place to monitor the citizens and how the dispose refuse.
Effective monitoring is key in this regard.
They should also ensure that road sweepers are promptly paid and supervised. The people must stop dumping refuse inside drainages as this could predispose the city to flooding.