Keeping our Environment clean is our Major Concern -General Manager KEPA

INTERVIEW:

By Abdullahi Alhassan Kaduna.

Hajiya Maimuna Zakari is the General Manager of Kaduna State Environmental Protection Authority,(KEPA) In this Interview she highlights the benefits of Keeping our Environment clean,as well as what the state government is doing to keep the state clean,also how the Authority is supporting the State Urban Renewal projects embark by Governor Mallam Nasiru El-rufai of and Other Developmental

Question

What is Environmental protection?

Answer.

Hajiya Maimuna –

This is all about activities carry out for protecting Human Health and Environment from harmful effects of pollution and waste. It also include activity to maintain and restore quality of environmental components (Air, Water and Land) through preventing the emission of pollutants or contaminants such as toxic gas, waste, Oil and other hazardous materials.

Question.

What are Health benefits of Environmental Sanitation?

Answer.

General Manager -Environmental sanitation is aimed at developing and maintaining a clean, safe and pleasant physical environment in all human settlements, to promote the social, economic and physical well-being of all sections of the population.

Question.
What are some of the Government policies on Environmental protection?

Answer.

Mrs Zakari.- Yes the Kaduna state Government enacted the following statutory documents on Environmental protection;
Environmental protection Law NO.7 of 2010;State policy on Environment 2019;
Regulations No. 1 of 2010 – Solid Waste Management;

Regulations No. 2 of 2010 – Control of Water Pollution Sources;

Regulations No. 3 of 2010 – Effluent Limitation and Management;

Regulations No. 4 of 2010 – Environmental Impact Assessment and Audit;

Regulations No. 5 of 2010 – Bush Burning Control;

Regulations No. 6 of 2010 – Control and Management of Hazardous Substances;
Regulations No. 7 of 2010 – Special Work Places.

Question.

Is KEPA working with other partners on sanitation and Environmental protection?

Answer.

General Manager,- Yes, KEPA has been closely working with both federal and state ministries, Departments and Agencies on sanitation and Environmental protection such as Federal ministry of Environment, NESREA, NOSDRA and Mine and steel Angency and State (KASUPDA, PHCDB, SEMA, KAGIS, LIVESTOCK REGULATORY AGENCY, RUWASA, MoJ, security bodies,).

Question.

What is the role of the citizens on Environmental sanitation and protection?

Answer.

Hajiya Maimuna – Citizens obligation; It shall be the responsibility of individuals, groups of persons and bodies corporate to report any flying tipping and disposal of waste in or undesignated location to the appropriate Authority Pay for collection and disposal of waste; and
Incorporate Environmental care concern in their day to day activities.

Question.
What message do you have to the general public on Environmental sanitation and Environmental protection.?

Answer.

General Manager KEPA,- There are many ways public can get involved and help KEPA on Environmental sanitation and environmental protection but limited to the followings;
Complying with all the provisions of Environmental laws and regulations on sanitation and Environmental protection;
Take part in the Authority’s events, workshops etc. aimed at raising awareness about Environmental sanitation and protection;
Report pollution or offensive emissions from industries to the Authority;
Report any activity constituting nuisance from communities to the authority.