As part of measures to enhance cleanliness and preservation of the environment, Sokoto State Government has introduced a monthly incentive of N1 million to any district adjudged to be the cleanest in the state.
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal disclosed this Saturday at the flag off of the state’s special environmental sanitation programme in Sokoto.
He said the incentive is one in a series of efforts lined up by the government to protect the health of the citizenry.
According to him, Sokoto will observe environmental sanitation every Saturday for one month, after which the exercise will continue on the first Saturday of every month.
Tambuwal said the sanitation exercise will ensure regular and speedy evacuation of refuse in the State metropolis in particular and all parts of the state in general.
The Governor directed the state Environmental Protection Agency to establish a Department of Waste Management whose functions include adequate waste collection, recovery and disposal arrangements of waste, proper waste mapping, making and regular review of waste management plans in relation to non-hazardous wastes, authorisation and control of commercial waste collection activities and lastly, public education enlightenment on the need for effective waste management in all parts of the state.
He said government will continue to support all efforts directed towards development and protection of the environment.
“Consequently, a neighbourhood watch outfit and Sokoto Marshals are being empowered through a legislation to be sent to the State House of Assembly to have established, in their consolidated structures, a sanitary inspection unit whose role will complement that of SEPA in waste management and enforcement of environmental laws,” Tambuwal added.
He also announced that apart from the one million Naira to be given to the cleanest zone, the runner-up zone will get N750,000 while the third best zone will get N500,000.