By Benjamin Omoike, Metro Editor
To make dumpsites safer for refuse handling operations and reduce health risks to the host communities, Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), has commenced fumigation of various sites, starting with the Solous landfill at Igando.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, who disclosed this, said dumpsites played critical roles in the waste management chain and attainment of the Authority’s vision of establishing a cleaner environment.
He said: “Dumpsites are crucial component for the delivery of Solid Waste Management (SWM), as they serve as 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 exercise, which started at Solous dumpsite, Igando, would be extended to other dumpsites across the metropolis, to protect immediate and surrounding communities where the sites were situated.
According to him, the goal of fumigation exercise is to protect the public, and minimise the negative impacts of the sites to the host communities. He stressed that several mitigation measures have already been put
in place by LAWMA.
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“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 boss noted 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 their being surrounded by residential communities, commercial establishments and other sensitive land uses.
He expressed the Authority’s 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.
Odumboni appealed to residents to shun all practices capable of creating negative impacts on the environment, such as indiscriminate disposal of waste and refuse burning.
“For inquiries on recycling and waste management related issues in your area, please call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 07080601020 and 617 (for GLO users),” he added.
