The task force responsible for monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Plateau State, has on Saturday clampdown on defaulters in Jos who err to the rules and regulations.

The monthly sanitation exercise is spearheaded by the Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA), from 7:00am to 10:00am last Saturday every month.

Our correspondent who monitor the exercise within Jos and Bukuru metropolis defaulters were subjected to pay fines as others indulge in community service for defaulting the sanitation hours.
 
Samuel Dapiya, Director-General of PEPSA, expressed disappointment with the low compliance rate for the monthly sanitation exercise, citing decreased participation despite advocacy efforts. 
He emphasizes that sanitation is a citizen-obligation requiring active participation from Plateau people.

"Many shops remain open during sanitation exercises, indicating a need for behavioral change. PEPSA will continue to enforce sanitation laws until Plateau State is clean and safe.


"Sanitation should be a daily responsibility, not just a monthly activity. Sanitation is linked to building control and enforcement of Executive Order 001.PEPSA remains committed to enforcing sanitation laws", Dapiya stated.
In a related development, the Genera-Manager Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB), Arch. Hart Bankat is saddened over citizens disregard for the designated sanitation day as Plateau clock 50 year anniversary February.

Bankat, emphasize the need for a sense of responsibility and deliberate change, rather than relying on enforcement or penalties.

According to him, "I am disappointed. At this age and time, we should not have to be forced or chased to keep our streets clean. This is not rocket science. We say we want society to move forward, we want to compete globally, yet we are still enforcing basic cleanliness by chasing people around. That is quite unfortunate.
"What is even more unfortunate is when people come out to say they are not aware that there is one day in a month designated for sanitation. Not being aware is bad enough, but abusing the process and flouting it completely is unacceptable. If nothing else, people should at least stay at home.

"We take many things for granted, largely because we attach politics and sentiments to everything. Everyone wants to politicize it. I am not going to be here forever. 

"I do not deceive myself that being in office makes me a king. Tomorrow, the governor can remove me, and if that happens, I will move on. Life goes on; the story will change. But we need to be deliberate.

"We are celebrating 50 years. What exactly are we celebrating at 50? Where have we moved to if we are still holding sticks and chasing people with guns to enforce sanitation and clean the city? 

"This calls for sober reflection.
Some of us were not even born when this journey started, yet we are heading into the future with fear. This is not the kind of society we want our children to grow up in. It is not the direction we want them to go.

"As we approach the 50th anniversary of the state, I hope it gives us a sense of purpose and fulfillment—to be deliberate as a people and begin to change our story", Bankat mentioned.