The Federal Government has made a move to find a lasting solution to the pervasive air pollution problem in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, and its environs.
The problem has been a source of worry to residents and raised serious social, economic, health and environmental concerns.
In a one-day stakeholders meeting organised by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in the state capital, stakeholders from government and non-governmental organisations convened to proffer solutions.
The Director-General/CEO of NESREA, Dr. Lawrence Chidi Anukam, speaking at the event said the meeting was carefully structured to elicit concrete recommendations with forward looking programmes and activities that would address the problem, a statement said.
The D-G assured the participants that the agency would continue to collaborate and partner with key stakeholders at the federal and state levels, in the quest to solve the air pollution problem in Port Harcourt and environs.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Environment, Malam Ibrahim Jibril Usman, who was visibly worried by the reoccurrence of the problem, said the meeting was a good opportunity for them to deliberate collectively and find a lasting solution to the issue.
He stated that the meeting was a clear evidence of the commitment of the Federal Government and its capability to discharge its duties and functions towards protecting lives and properties of the people in Port Harcourt and its environs.
Acknowledging the growing cases of respiratory disease, eye problems and other ailments associated with air pollution, the minister informed participants that the outcome of the meeting would greatly assist the Federal Government in charting a new course to bring a lasting solution to the menace.
Malam Jibril spoke about the concern of the government on the growing incidence of soot pollution of the air in Port Harcourt and its environs and the complaints associated with its settling on roof tops, floors, offices and vehicles.
He stated that although several consultative meetings and awareness creation activities had been carried out in the past, there was an urgent need to further intensify actions to address the problem.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Rivers State government, NESREA and NOSDRA, the minister urged the residents to remain calm and take adequate protective measures.
He advised them to remain vigilant at all times and report any observed illegal acts that may adversely affect the air quality to the appropriate authority.
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