Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has commenced
fumigation exercises at various dumpsites in the state, starting with the Solous
landfill at Igando, to make the sites safer for waste management operations,
and reduce health risks to the communities where they are located.
This was made known on Monday by the Managing Director/CEO of
LAWMA, Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, who 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.
He said, “Dumpsites are crucial component for the delivery of
Solid Waste Management (SWM), as they serve as a 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
yesterday (Sunday) at Solous dumpsite, Igando, would be extended to other
dumpsites across the metropolis, to protect immediate and surrounding
communities where the sites were situated.
“The goal of this exercise is to protect the public and
minimize the negative impacts of these sites to the neighbouring 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.
The LAWMA helmsman pointed out that, due to their intended
use, the initial locations of dumpsites in the state, were far removed from
residential communities, before rapid
population and urban expansion resulted to these dumpsites being surrounded by
residential communities, commercial establishments and other sensitive land
uses.
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.
He appealed to residents to shun all practices capable of
having a negative on the environment, such as indiscriminate disposal of waste
and refuse burning, which was hazardous to public health.
For inquiries on recycling and waste management-related issues
in your area, please call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 07080601020 and 617 (for GLO
users).
Folashade Kadiri
Director, Public Affairs
14/02/2022
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