By Bisola Adeyemo
Following the commencement of fumigation exercise at various dump sites, in Lagos State, residents have been warned to shun indiscriminate disposal of waste and refuse burning, which is hazardous to public health.
The Managing Director/CEO of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, on Monday said that dumpsites played critical roles in the waste management chain, paving way for the attainment of the authority’s vision of establishing a consistent, cleaner environment.
The aimed of the exercise according to Odumboni, is to make the sites safer for waste management operations and reduce health risks to the communities where they are located.
“Dumpsites are a crucial component for the delivery of Solid Waste Management (SWM), as they serve as the final destination for all solid waste collected from residences, businesses, and public spaces. They also support the protection of sanitation and public health.”
Odumboni stated that the fumigation exercise, which started at Solous dumpsite in Igando, would be extended to other dumpsites across the metropolis.
“The goal of this exercise is to protect the public and minimize the negative impacts of these sites to the neighboring communities. Already, several mitigation measures have been put in place by LAWMA. These include leachate and stormwater infrastructure, periodic capping of non-active sections, traffic management, monthly fumigation of the dumpsites and immediate environs,” he said.
He expressed the authority’s unalloyed commitment towards protecting public health, and minimising the discomfort which might be caused by the dumpsites to neighbouring communities, adding that the agency planned to close the dumpsites in the near future.
