Experts and stakeholders in rivers and streams management in ecosystem have drawn the attention of Nigerian residents to observe the rights of the various rivers and streams around them by protecting their rights to exist instead of polluting them.
Marking the 2023 World Rivers Day at the multipurpose hall of the headquarters of the Anambra - Imo River Basin Development Authority (AIRBDA), Agbala, near Owerri, the Managing Director of the agency, Gerald Osuagwu, an Engineer, said it was worrisome for residents near the rivers and streams continually engage in polluting the water channels and environment on daily basis.
He said such habit should be treated as a crime, adding "the propensity in which residents pollute rivers and streams within their vicinities should be discouraged by all, lamenting that the ignoble and unwholesome acts had led to most rivers becoming sick, just as humans could.
Osuagwu said, this year's celebration was not observed on the usual date of 25th of September, annually, because of the insecurity situation in the Southeast geo-political zone, pointing out that the celebration commenced in 2005 by the United Nations when it launched the "Water for Life Decade," tracing the contribution of a Canadian River conservationist and advocate, Mark Angelo, being observed by over 100 countries.
He also, advocated for quick enactment of legislations and laws on protection of the natural resources, decrying incidences of industrial influence, fertilizers, bad habitation among others.
Re-echoeing on the theme of this year's event: "Rights of Rivers; the incredible natural and recreational values of Rivers and Streams in Our Communities," Osuagwu, said: "Rivers need to live just like human beings health. If it is polluted, it will be sick. Rivers should be protected by the enabling laws. Rivers in virtually every country face an array of threats, and only through our active involvement in taking care of them can we be assured of their health in the years ahead."
He used the occasion to clean part of Oramiriukwa River and planting of symbolic trees beside it within the Owerri North Local Council of the state.
In their paper presentations and contributions, on "The incredible natural, cultural and recreational values of Rivers and Streams in our communities," by Dr. Chinyere Amadi, of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri; "The right, safety and management of rivers in our communities," by Dr. Emma Ezenwaji, represented; the Director of Information of the AIRBDA, Kingsley Nnoshiri; among others maintained that the rivers have gone beyond mere waterways status, stressing that they are sources of observance of spiritual activities for both Christians and natives, warning that continuous pollution acts could lead to catastrophy.
Amadi, in her presentation, noted the array of usefulness of rivers, such as naturalness, ecosystem inspiration for art, music, culture, heritage; story telling sites among others, beyond being mere water ways.
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