A social commentator and social media influencer, Amb. Comr. Kpohraror Emmanuel, has challenged the Environmental Department of Ughelli North Local Government Council to urgently intensify its sanitation activities, lamenting the growing heaps of refuse and debris littering major streets and roads across Ughelli.
Kpohraror, who expressed concern over what he described as the deteriorating environmental condition of the town, said the situation had become too glaring to be ignored by the local government authorities.
He called on the Environmental Department to “wake up from its slumber” and take decisive steps to restore cleanliness and order to Ughelli, stressing that the responsibility of maintaining a clean environment should not be restricted to a few locations.
According to him, a drive through several parts of Ughelli North Local Government Area would expose the extent of the sanitation challenge, with refuse and debris allegedly obstructing roads, creating unsightly surroundings and potentially constituting environmental and public health concerns.
“When you take time to go round Ughelli North, you will be ashamed. There is hardly any street you pass through without seeing debris,” he said.
Kpohraror specifically identified Olotu Street, where he said heaps of debris had almost taken over portions of the road, as well as Cemetery Road, East-West Road, Afiesere/Amekpa Bridge, Ogor Market towards Quest FM Radio Station, and Paul Odje Street off Upper Agbarho, among other areas.
He urged the council’s Environmental Department to urgently embark on a comprehensive assessment of affected streets and communities, remove accumulated refuse and debris, and put in place a more effective system for regular waste evacuation.
The activist also questioned the effectiveness of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in the local government, arguing that restricting sanitation activities largely to areas around Otovwodo and Ughelli Main Market was insufficient to address the wider environmental challenge confronting the town.
“The monthly sanitation is mainly done around Otovwodo and Ughelli Main Market. That is not enough. What happens to the other streets and communities?” he asked.
He maintained that environmental sanitation should be treated as a continuous responsibility rather than an activity limited to designated sanitation days.
Kpohraror further called on residents, traders and business owners to complement the efforts of the local government by avoiding indiscriminate dumping of refuse and ensuring that wastes generated within their premises are properly disposed of.
He, however, insisted that the local government must demonstrate stronger leadership by providing effective waste-management arrangements and ensuring that sanitation personnel are visible across the various communities.
He said the condition of some major roads and streets in Ughelli had become particularly disturbing because accumulated debris was already compounding existing infrastructural challenges.
“The town is too dirty. The Environmental Department needs to wake up and put Ughelli Local Government in a better shape,” Kpohraror declared.
He urged the leadership of Ughelli North Local Government Council to regard the issue as an urgent matter and ensure that environmental officers move beyond routine activities to a more comprehensive and sustained sanitation programme.
Kpohraror said a cleaner Ughelli would not only improve the appearance of the town but also contribute to a healthier and safer environment for residents, businesses and visitors.
He appealed to the council authorities to respond promptly to the concerns and restore sanitation standards across Ughelli North.
