YENAGOA- Health officials in Yenagoa,the Bayelsa capital, have blamed the filthy environment on indiscriminate disposal of wastes by residents.

Reports say that health officials have mapped out strategies to monitor refuse dump sites and are creating awareness on the health hazards to residents.

Part of the strategy also includes constant monitoring of refuse dumpsites and enforcing of environmental laws.

An official of the Yenagoa Local Government Council told newsmen that the situation was getting worse because of the poor drainage situation in the city.

He, however, advised people living in Yenagoa and its environs to be conscious of the health hazards by cooperating with health officials on the need to maintain a clean environment.

The Chairman, Epie chapter of the Nigerian Association of Licensed Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers, Mr. Timipre Esinotu, told newsmen that the sanitary situation in the city was getting worrisome as roads were littered with refuse.

Esinotu blamed sanitation officials for not living up to their responsibilities, pointing out that every major road, including Melford Okilo road had become a dumpsite.

He said that traders had joined in the indiscriminate dumping of refuse, including creating illegal dumpsites.

Esinotu identified sachet water and bottled water vendors as the group that contributed more than 80 per cent of the refuse, noting that the development was a health problem to the people.