By Hauwa Ali
Mr Christian Ufot, the Branch chairman of the Apapa branch of Nigerian Society of
Engineers (NSE) has called for stiffer penalties for indiscriminate refuse disposal if
proper waste management must be achieved.
The Chairman, made the call in an interview recently, in Lagos.
According to him, although there are sanctions stated in the laws, but there are no
enforcement, calling on relevant agencies to be more serious in enforcement to curb the
menace of indiscriminate disposal of waste.
“There are sanctions but the problem is enforcement. If mobile courts are functioning,
enforcement will be easier,” he said.
Ufot stated that inappropriate refuse disposal on roads, drains and other areas clogged
the drainage channels, thus further compounding flooding in the state.
“Lagos is prone to flooding because of its location, but it can be minimised if residents
keep drainage channels free of refuse, avoid building on drainage paths and more
drainages constructed.
“Improper refuse disposal by residents is a cause for concern. Refuse is disposed on
the road, into gutters and streams/rivers.
“Even where refuse bins are provided, most people choose to dump their refuse on the
ground. More public education/awareness campaign is needed in this regard.
“Penalty should also be imposed on those who fail to comply,” Ufot said.
The chairman urged the state government to intensify radio and television jingles and
other awareness campaigns to constantly remind people of the right ways of disposing
refuse.
He said that a proposal for collaboration on waste management between the branch
and an unnamed private firm in the local government was currently on hold.