The Nasarawa State Government has expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance by members of the public during the March sanitation exercise.
Garba Rocha-Mohammed, Permanent Secretary (PS) Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources gave the commendation while addressing newsmen after the March exercise on Saturday in Lafia.
The PS described the level of compliance as impressive and attributed it to support from security agencies, traditional rulers, media as well as inspection team from the ministry.
He also commended the residents, especially shop owners, for clearing drains around their environments and shops as well as motorists for keeping off the roads during the exercise.
He also appealed to Chairmen of various Local Government Areas (LGAs) to key into the exercise in order to ensure its success.
Rocha-Mohammed explained that the exercise would be strengthened to achieve the essence of reintroducing it in 2019 by Gov. Abdullahi Sule.
He called on members of the public to always keep their environments clean to guard against the outbreak of all diseases.
“Residents should cooperate more with the government towards ensuring that the state is clean in their best interest.
“If the environment is kept clean, it will guard against possible outbreak of any disease, thereby ensuring improved healthy living of the people,’’ he added.
He said Nasarawa State would sustain its status of cleanliness, as the government had set aside last Saturday of every month for sanitation.
Meanwhile, Abubakar Mohammed, Chief Presecutor of the ministry said 53 persons were apprehended across five Local Government Areas for alleged violation of environmental sanitation laws.
He said that 18 persons were arrested in Lafia, nine in Doma, nine in Obi, 12 in Akwanga and 15 in Keffi respectively.
He said that they were caught transacting their businesses and driving around during the hours set aside for sanitation exercise. (NAN).