Ahead of this year's rainy season, Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA), has kick started drainages distilling within Jos and Bukuru metropolis to mitigate flooding that may likely occur.


Speaking during the official flag off in Jos city center on Tuesday, Director General of PEPSA, Samuel Dapiya revealed the yearly routine exercise of drainages clearing is part of the agency mandate actualization of keeping Plateau clean.

The DG represented by the agency's director of administration, Izang Pate said the exercise is very key as it will go a long way in curtailing the scourge of unforseen flooding and water borne disease.

While calling on Plateau citizens to key into the initiative to enhance safer and serene  environment, Pate confirmed that the agency have already deployed it's personnel across the state to be checkmating people attitude their environment as those found default will be prosecuted and fine accordingly.



Emphasizing the significance of maintaining cleanliness in the environment, acting zonal director, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Jude Appah, said the numerous challenges of climate change, global warming are caused by human activities.

"So what we’re asking the people of Plateau to do now is simple—embrace attitudinal change. Look at this drainage we've started clearing today—you’ll find plastics, polythene, even used diapers. Where did all these come from?"

The Chairman of Jos North  local government council, John Christopher commended stakeholders within environmental sector for the laudable initiative saying the exercise is very important as Jos-Bukuru Metropolis is the heart of the Greater Jos-Bukuru Area, and it’s also the center of commercial activities.

"Unfortunately, in this part of the world, we have developed a negative culture of dumping refuse and other debris into our drainages and waterways.


"I also want to emphasize that, for us to be fully committed—especially the Executive Chairman of Jos South Local Government and myself—we must take ownership of this initiative.I call on all residents to follow suit and ensure that our drainages are cleared, especially those in the habit of dumping refuse during the rainy season."

Christopher also appreciates Governor Caleb Mutfwang for giving them opportunity to demonstrate his administration's vision for a greater Jos, noting that the governor's vision for Jos-Bukuru metropolis is truly taking shape.

According to Hon. Silas Patrick Dung, Council chairman of Jos South LGA, 
"This is something we must cultivate as a culture, so we can have a beautiful environment—like the saying goes, cleanliness is next to godliness.

"The time we can be remembered for who we are and what we are is when we are clean. And to have a good environment means good health. So we encourage people to embrace this as a culture, and not just see it as a one-off event. Let us continue to keep the metropolis clean."