The Executive Secretary of the Borno Geographic Information Service (BOGIS), Engr. Adam Bukar Bababe, has announced plans to enforce regulations concerning the construction of soak pits outside homes to bolster public safety.
Engr. Bababe made this declaration on Thursday during a meeting with the Acting Controller of the Federal Fire Service, ACF Asinamai Emmanuel Madu, and his team. The discussion focused on collaborative strategies and challenges faced by the Fire Service in the region.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to promoting proper sanitation practices and averting environmental risks that could impede emergency responses, Engr. Adam Bababe stressed the importance of legal soak pit construction in residential areas.
Despite prior awareness campaigns on the issue, some individuals continue to flout regulations, prompting the need for stringent enforcement measures to ensure compliance across the board.
Additionally, Engr. Bababe outlined BOGIS’as ongoing efforts, including the implementation of street naming and house numbering initiatives, long overdue but now actively progressing. All data will be integrated into a real-time Geographic Information System (GIS) for efficient management.
ACF Asinamai Emmanuel Madu commended Engr. Adam Bababe for revolutionizing land management practices in Borno through digitalization, acknowledging the strides made in a short period. However, he raised concerns about challenges faced by the Fire Service, such as inadequate water hydrant points, obstructive electricity cables, and unauthorized soak pit constructions hindering emergency operations.
Seeking collaboration with BOGIS to address these obstacles, particularly in curbing illegal soak pit practices, the Controller emphasized the importance of enhancing safety protocols during firefighting and rescue missions.
In response, Engr. Adam Bukar Bababe pledged support in resolving issues related to water hydrants and electrical hazards, committing to liaising with relevant stakeholders to implement corrective measures promptly.
