Governance
Benue Govt Targets Wadata Market Sanitation Crisis
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
The Benue State Government has commenced a coordinated multi-sectoral intervention to improve environmental sanitation and safeguard public health, beginning with a comprehensive assessment of Wadata Market in Makurdi, the state capital.
The joint assessment followed a directive by Governor Rev.
The assessment team was led by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, alongside the Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Odoh Ugwu, the Chairman of Makurdi Local Government Area, Joseph Keffi, the General Manager of the Benue State Environmental Sanitation Authority (BENSESA), Chief Anta Igbato, and other senior government officials.
The delegation was received by the Chairman of Wadata Market, Alhaji Isah Yakubu Gimba, who led the team on an extensive inspection of all sections of the market.
During the inspection, the team observed that the overall sanitary condition of the market was unsatisfactory. The situation was particularly alarming at the abattoir section and in areas adjoining the River Benue, where indiscriminate refuse disposal, poor waste management practices and environmental pollution pose significant public health, environmental and socio-economic risks.
The team noted that the unhygienic environment creates favourable conditions for the spread of communicable diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, diarrhoea and other infectious illnesses. It also encourages the breeding of mosquitoes, flies and rodents, contaminates food and water sources, generates offensive odours, degrades the environment, blocks drainage channels, increases the risk of flooding, and reduces the commercial value and productivity of one of Benue State’s busiest economic hubs.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Ogwuche stressed that good health begins with a clean environment, noting that healthcare facilities alone cannot guarantee healthy communities if homes, markets and other public spaces remain unhygienic. He said while government remains committed to providing effective policies, efficient waste management systems and enforcing environmental sanitation laws, maintaining a clean environment is a shared responsibility.
He therefore called on market leaders, traders, transport operators, business owners, residents, community-based organisations and all well-meaning citizens to actively support efforts to keep Wadata Market clean, safe and healthy at all times.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Odoh Ugwu, advocated practical and sustainable measures to improve sanitation within the market. These include the provision and proper use of waste bins at strategic locations, regular evacuation of refuse, strict enforcement of sanitation regulations, routine environmental sanitation exercises, improved drainage maintenance, continuous public enlightenment, designated waste collection points, proper disposal of abattoir waste and the active participation of market associations in promoting environmental hygiene standards.
The team reiterated that Governor Hyacinth Alia places the health, safety and well-being of the people of Benue State at the centre of governance and is committed to ensuring that markets and other public places across the state operate under the highest standards of cleanliness, environmental safety and public health to protect lives, enhance livelihoods and promote sustainable economic development.
The multi-sectoral team resolved to immediately commence coordinated interventions to address the poor sanitary conditions in Wadata Market and its surrounding environment. It also agreed that similar joint assessments and corrective interventions would be extended to other major markets and public places across Benue State as part of a broader strategy to strengthen environmental sanitation, prevent disease outbreaks and promote healthier communities.
