NEMA, NYSC Urge Traders in Uyo to Stop Poor Waste Disposal, Prevent Flooding
Juliet Jacob 
UYO, Nigeria – The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged traders and residents of Anua Market in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to adopt responsible waste disposal practices to reduce flooding risks in the community.
The Uyo Operations Office of NEMA made the call on Friday during a sensitisation exercise held in collaboration with the NYSC Disaster Management and Environmental Sanitation Community Development Service (CDS) groups.
“Every time refuse blocks drainage channels, the risk of flooding increases, threatening lives and livelihoods,” officials said. “Keeping drains clean and managing waste responsibly can save lives.”
The exercise featured a symbolic clean-up, road walk, and awareness rallies where corps members engaged residents on hygiene, drainage maintenance, and flood preparedness.
Community leaders and market executives pledged support, describing the campaign as “timely and necessary” for businesses and public health.
“This campaign is timely because flooding affects our businesses and health. We will continue to mobilise traders to keep their surroundings clean,” a market executive noted.
NEMA reaffirmed its commitment to extending similar initiatives to other flood-prone communities in Akwa Ibom. Officials stressed that community ownership of environmental practices is essential for sustainable disaster risk reduction.
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Otamere Gladness