Waters have remained one of the sources of livelihood for both humans, plants, and animals; however, the disposal of refuse and sewage into waters has affected the survival of aquatic life and affects the environment, resulting in flooding. It is in the light of this that this year’s World Rivers Day has its theme, “Clean Rivers, Healthy Communities”.
In commemorating the day, the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority, Yola, joined people across the world to celebrate the day with a call on communities to safeguard the natural habitat of rivers by desisting from dumping refuse into them.
The Managing Director of Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority, Yola, Doctor Mahmud Sanusi Mohammed, while delivering his speech to mark the Day at Bwarranji waterside in Yola North local government area, reiterated the commitment of the authority to ensure food security through irrigated agriculture and providing portable water supply to communities.
He added that the authority will continue to ensure control of flooding and erosion, as well as sustainable watershed management.
Doctor Mohammed also said the authority is currently developing modalities for community engagement in river conservation and is committed to empowering communities to take ownership of their rivers.
The Managing Director further said the authority is championing the campaign of tree planting as a measure to control deforestation, calling on the public to desist from dumping refuse, sewage, and untreated effluent into the river and lakes, which will minimize harm to rivers in the near future.
Doctor Mohammed urged stakeholders to strategize and promote mutual understanding to ensure the continued health and vitality of rivers.
He also called on the general public to cultivate the habit of cleaning the rivers and waterways to promote better health and reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.
There were goodwill messages from various stakeholders, including the District Head of Jimeta, Controllers of the Federal Ministry of Environment and Works, State Commissioner for water resources, and the Nigeria Inland Waterways Agency.
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