The office of the Technical Adviser to Bayelsa government and Environmental Conservation Agriculture and Rural Development (ECARD) on Thursday commenced a collaboration to advocate a proper solid waste disposal practices at Ekeki Motor Park in Yenagoa.

The Technical Adviser 1 to Gov Douye Diri on Environment 1, Chief Alagoa Morris, held an advocacy meeting with the Management of Ekeki Park aimed at adopting a solid waste disposal system to rid the drainage system of plastic and solid wastes.

He told the Park Management Committee that as manager of the park they have a role to play to maintain clean drainages and environment of the park

Morris said the park serves as a major tourist contact point for travelers adding that the dirty drainages and environment bring bad reputation to the state.

Morris noted that refuse bins should be placed strategically for travelers and traders in the park to dispose their wastes.

“There should be an understanding between the management of the park and traders to ensure drainages and environment of the park remains clean” Morris said

The Chairman Ekeki Park Management Committee Mr Tekema Johnbull said the management is putting in their best to ensure the park and its environment remains clean by conducting sanitation exercises monthly

Johnbull, who was represented by the Secretary Ekeki Park Management Committee Mr Ipomuowei Sadimaka said traveler and trader dispose refuse anyhow they like making it difficult for the environment to be clean

Sadikama pleaded for support from ECARD and State Government as the park Management does not generate enough funding to carry strategic projects in the park

Also Chief Ibiah Joseph, a member of the park management committee said that most sicknesses are traceable to a dirty environment.

Joseph added that they plan to start a day-to-day cleanliness and end periodical cleanness because if people are clean they can communicate with the creator and he also will be happy,

“We are promising you that in no distance time we will improve the cleanness of the park, our tenure is barely one month plus and we are already putting plans in place” Joseph said

Also speaking Mr James Yibatoro-Iyela, Programme Manager at ECARD noted that the Non-Governmental Organisation remained committed to enhancing environmental cleanliness across the state.

He noted that good sanitation keeps the society healthy.

“Most health challenges that people face come from filthy environment and when the environment is clean, the people tend to enjoy good health,” he said.