COVID-19: Plateau Commences Fumigation As Gov Lalong Tests Negative
BY CHAMBERLAIN ODEY, JOS – The Plateau State government has commenced a State-wide decontamination and fumigation of public places and streets with confirmation that Governor Simon Lalong has tested negative for the Coronavirus.
Flagging off the exercise on Friday at the popular Terminus Roundabout in Jos North local government area amidst torrential rain, Governor Lalong said it is in continuation of concerted proactive measures to keep the raging Coronavirus pandemic out of the State.
He said though the State is yet to record any confirmed case of the virus, responsible governance dictates that the government takes reasonable steps and initiatives to protect its citizens from possible attack by the virus.
Governor Lalong said for the exercise to achieve its set objectives, government had to declare a total lockdown of the State that commenced at midnight last Thursday, and will remains in force till 11pm on Wednesday, April 15, 2020
He therefore appealed to religious, traditional, political and community leaders for cooperation; understanding; and support in making the programme successful.
Acknowledging that the stay-at-home order is difficult and quite an expensive sacrifice to make, Governor Lalong expressed the hope that life will soon return to normal after the exercise, and the entire state will be better and healthier for its residents.
Also speaking on the occasion, Managing Director of Agricultural Services Training Center and Marketing (ASTCM) Ltd, Dr Susane Bentu, assured that the assignment will be completed on schedule as human and material resources as well as other chemical logistics have been mobilized and deployed to all parts of the State for work to commence simultaneously at different locations.
Dr Bentu also assured that the rains would not hamper or weaken the efficacy of the chemicals being used, stressing that the rains would further help the chemicals’ ability to penetrate vital corners and eliminate targeted pests and germs.
The ASTCM boss also assured that the chemicals are safe and not harmful to the human body.
Also, the state government has announced the establishment of ten Mobile Courts as part of machinery for the enforcement of the lock down order throughout its week-long duration.
The Agricultural Services Training Center and Marketing Ltd is the State agency charged with the responsibility of handling the fumigation exercise.
