29/11/2025
DEPARTMENTAL FOCUS: Environmental Health Department
Topic : Approval Process for building plan - Environmental health, the fourth port of call
In its bid to educate the public on the process for the approval of building plans, the OCDA Newsletter paid another visit to the Environmental Health Department, which is the fourth port of call after the Architecture Department.
Recall that in our last edition of the OCDA Newsletter, we visited the Architecture Department, where we spoke with the HOD, Arch. Ukachukwu Benedict Okechukwu. In this edition, we will be speaking with Mrs. Ugo Nnorom on the importance of the Health Department in this process.
Below are the details of the interview session:
OCDA Media: Can you introduce yourself, ma?
HOD: I am Mrs. Ugo Nnorom, the HOD, Environmental Health Standards.
OCDA Media: In the vetting of building plans, what exactly do you look out for?
HOD: We look out for compliance with health regulations to ensure that the required facilities are incorporated into building plans and construction. Specifically:
A. We ensure that all health facilities are included in the building plan.
B. During site inspection, we check for adequate ventilation.
C. We ensure there is a safe water supply.
D. We assess proper waste management. Under this category, we consider the dispensing chambers and soak-away pits, and where necessary, issue letters for amendments.
E. We advise on the need to prevent vector and pest infestation.
F. We look at the safety measures of the building.
G. We also consider environmental impact assessment, especially for companies. For instance, industrial fumes from machines cannot be approved within certain vicinities.
OCDA Media: How do you promote a safe and healthy environment through your department?
HOD: We promote a safe and healthy environment by assessing risk factors, educating developers, and offering advice—especially if a building is close to a fuel or gas station. We inform them of the health implications and ensure emergency response plans are put in place. We also conduct health seminars and teach workers to use personal protective equipment.
OCDA Media: How prepared is your department in responding to environmental health emergencies, especially in occupational health?
HOD: After educating residents on hazards through seminars or one-on-one site inspections—such as the need to fumigate premises—our periodic seminars help improve response and preparedness.
OCDA Media: What health hazards do your workforce encounter in the discharge of their duties, and how do financial limitations affect responses?
HOD: When we go out to issue warnings on unhygienic environments due to lack of waste bins, people often see us as a disturbance—especially when enforcing compliance. Sometimes, we invite them to the office for questioning.
Another challenge is climate change. When we identify dangerous buildings that are prone to collapse and ask residents to evacuate, they think we are being mean, whereas we are only looking out for their safety.
Above all, to gather information, we need a functional vehicle. You cannot identify unsafe buildings from the office—we must move around.
OCDA Media: Does your department raise awareness about environmental risks? If so, when was the last one?
HOD: Yes, we raise awareness through seminars and training. For example, last year we trained people on fire outbreak management and the proper use of gas cylinders. We do this every year with the approval of the General Manager.
OCDA Media: Some state governments regulate the siting and management of boreholes. Do you have plans for that?
HOD: Yes. Usually, during site inspection, we indicate suitable positions where boreholes should be sited. The drilling distance between the borehole, the wall, and the fence must be specified.
OCDA Media: What advice do you have for developers?
HOD: Before purchasing land, come to the OCDA Survey Department to ascertain the exact location and authenticity of the land. Also confirm whether it is reclaimed land so the Health Department can advise on proper filling before construction.
Visit the office for verification and payment confirmation. We also advise them to ensure health and safety compliance and to make sure what is on their building plan corresponds with what is on site.
OCDA Media: Narrowing it down to the OCDA office—as charity begins at home—Environmental sanitization safeguards human health. How healthy is the OCDA environment?
HOD: As you can see, OCDA’s environment is very healthy because we have safe and quality water and clean toilets. Currently, caretakers are clearing overgrown weeds. Our General Manager is a very clean man. Even when there is no funding, he ensures that the environment remains clean—sometimes from his personal purse.
OCDA Media: What about the toilets? We noticed that the males do not have toilets. Why is that?
HOD: The toilets are for everyone, and the authority also provides tissue for us.
OCDA Media: We also noticed excessive mosquitoes which disrupt work activities. What is the department doing about this?
HOD: Yes, that has come to our attention. It is the duty of this department to raise awareness, which we have done by writing to the General Manager. He is working with limited resources but is making plans to address the issue. Very soon, a solution will be provided.
OCDA Media: Away from work, what do you do to relax?
HOD: I read novels. I enjoy reading novels a lot—sometimes I even borrow from students. It makes me happy.
OCDA Media: What is your favourite dish?
HOD: I enjoy swallow with vegetable soup.
OCDA Media: Thank you very madam for giving us audience.
HOD - You are welcome
