AN APPRAISAL OF THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT IN KEEPING THE ENVIRONMENT CLEAN
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Generally, the role of the government in the provision of quality for people cannot be overemphasized. This is due to the fact that the government carryout various functions geared towards the preservation of citizens right and economic protection, promotion of their well-being and general welfare. Etc. in Nigeria, chapter II of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which provides for the fundamental objectives and directives principles of state policy, under section 20 of the constitution. It required that the state shall protect and improve the environment and safeguard the water, air, and land, forest and wildlife. (Atsegbua, 1999). No doubt, any discussion on the environment necessarily connotes a neossification of the elements (water, land, and air etc) which the environment is made up of by various factors of worldwide significance. Like technology, population, urbanization and poverty are also very important. (Kalu, 2001). The 20th and 21st centuries have witnessed a lot of concern over the relationship between man and his environment. The widespread concern has been manifested in the publication of a considerable number of scientific indexes. Journals, articles and including the issuance of policy statements by various governments.
On account of the importance of the environment to mankind and the need to ensure a cleaner environment, the Edo State Government has gone ahead to enact laws and regulations. Thus, the policy objectives of Edo State government on the environment is to achieve sustainable development and clean environment national policy on the environment. This policy of the Federal Government was issued in 1989. In Edo State, the structure, for the protection of the environment is primarily predicated on the environmental sanitation edict of 1994. This edict charges Edo State environmental sanitation task force with implementation of the objectives of the edict. Generally, the Edo State environmental sanitation task force perform among others, the function of;
Ensuring proper disposal of waste refuse and sewage and Ensuring that surroundings together with adjourning and connecting drains, gutters are kept clean.
The need to keep Edo State environment clean, has made it compelling on the inhabitants of the state and every one as expected by law to keep their environment or surrounding clean. By this, movement of persons ius restricted within the hours of 7:00am-10:00am ever last Saturday of every month, in the state, so as to enable all and sundry to actively participate in keeping the environment clean. Therefore this work shall examine the Edo State environmental sanitation in Edo State to determine whether the government has done enough to protect the environment as well as ensuring a cleaner Edo State environment since it (environment) is the core of man’s existence on earth and anything that affects it must affect the quality of his life. Thus, in recognition of this link between the environment and the quality of a peoples life conference on the environment in 1972 noted the following; that in developing countries, most of the environment at problem are caused by underdevelopment million continue to live for below the minimum level required for a decent human existence, deprived of adequate food and clothing, shelter and education, health and sanitation.
1.2 THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The purpose of the study is to;
Examine the environmental sanitation programme in Edo State. Identify the inadequate aspects of environmental sanitation programme in Edo State vis-à-vis the laws and regulations. To attempt an assessment of the sanitary condition of the state vis-à-vis the cleanliness of the environment of the state Suggest possible solutions and ways of making up for the inadequate aspects of environmental sanitation programme in Edo State.
1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
a. To investigate the sanitary condition of Edo State environment.
b. To ascertain the extent to which the government has catered for the protection of the Edo environment and regulations in order to keep the environment clean and free.
c. To develop an effective mechanism for the enforcement of environmental laws and regulations.
d. To promote the development of healthy living.
e. To suggest recommendations for the enhancement of the environment sanitation programme in Edo State.
f. To further emphasize that healthy environment is a treasured asset of mankind.
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
Bearing in mind the numerous benefits of the environment to mankind and the attendant, danger that man is exposed to by virtue of maltreatment of it, a study of this kind is necessary at least to emphasize on the need to keep the environment clean, the role which government has played in keeping the environment clean and the status of the sanitary condition of the state as well as the instrumentality of the environmental sanitation programme of Edo State and its improvement on the cleanliness of the state with view to make possible recommendations to enhance the quality of the environmental sanitation programme of Edo State and public health.
1.6 DEFINITION OF TERMS
Government: According to FAC Ahamere (1999) in this book issues and concept in government is a body of persons and institution authorized to making and enforce laws as well as formulate policies for a state (country) community of association.
Health: According to Bedworth and Bedworth (1982) health is human effectiven3wess that’s health is the qualifying factor for living. The healthier we are the greater our potential for effectiveness. However, the world health organization defines health as the state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
Environment: As expressed by Sarojinit Ramalingam (2007) the environmental of an organization consists of all factors found in its surroundings that affects it. Such factors include;
The place where the organism liuves, and the physical condition of the place. The food, water and air that it takes in for its activities. The diseases that affect it etc.
Environmental sanitation: Sanitation is derived from the Latin word “Sanitas” deals with the acts by which the laws of health are applied to a number of people living in a community or particular environment. It is cleanliness around your surroundings.
Environmental laws: The body of rules, policies and legislations of the government on the issues of the environment, which are directed towards the protection, maintenance and improvement of the environment.
Public health: This has to do with the general health conditions of the people of a country, locality or community.