By Ovasa Ogaga,
In a bid to promote proper waste management and fire safety awareness, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Warri branch led by Engr Chief Benjamin Esi FNSE, through its Environmental Pollution and Environmental Impact Monitoring Committee (EPEIMC), carried out a sensitization campaign at Warri Main Market on Thursday.
Led by the committee chairman, Engr. Queen Uche Chigbo MNSE, alongside Engr. Francis Oikerhe MNSE (NSE Warri Branch Vice-Chairman), Engr. Christiana Folakemi-Kalusi MNSE, and Engr. Stephen Mrakpor, the engineers educated traders on proper waste disposal, fire prevention, and emergency response techniques.
During the session, Engr. Chigbo highlighted the alarming volume of waste generated daily, stating that an individual produces an estimated 0.5kg to 0.75kg of waste, contributing to a total of 6,000 to 13,000 tons of waste across the state. Without deliberate action to reduce waste, she warned, the consequences could include health hazards, climate change, flooding, and destruction of aquatic life.
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NSE sensitizes Warri market traders on waste management, fire safety[/caption]
To combat this, she encouraged market traders to adopt the four Rs of waste management—Reduce, Reuse, Refuse, and Recycle—and dispose of waste properly in designated areas. A particular focus was placed on plastic waste, which is non-biodegradable and poses significant environmental risks.
The traders were advised to minimize the use of plastic bags and bottles, refuse single-use plastics, and opt for reusable alternatives.
In addition to waste management, the committee educated traders on fire hazards, different classes of fire, and fire prevention measures. They demonstrated how to combat fire using fire extinguishers and fire blankets.
A key highlight of the session was a practical fire drill, where traders were taught how to operate a fire extinguisher using the PASS technique—Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. Participants had the opportunity to handle extinguishers themselves, gaining hands-on experience in fire emergency response.
Traders’ Reactions and Requests
The traders expressed their excitement and appreciation for the initiative, commending Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his leadership in improving public welfare. They, however, appealed for more government intervention in waste management, particularly the provision of adequate waste disposal trucks for swift evacuation of waste to prevent environmental pollution and blocked drainage systems.
The NSE Warri Chapter assured them that they would liaise with relevant government agencies to push for improved waste management solutions in the market and across Delta State.
The event underscored the critical role of community engagement in tackling environmental and safety challenges, reinforcing the NSE's commitment to public education and sustainable development.
