LAWMA BEGINS FUMIGATION OF LANDFILLS
Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has commenced fumigation exercises at its 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 in the vicinity.
A statement signed by the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, said the dumpsites play 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 components 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 Sunday at Solous dumpsite, Igando, would be extended to other dumpsites across the metropolis to protect immediate and surrounding communities where the sites are located.
“The goal of this exercise is to protect the public and minimise the negative impacts of the 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 expressed the Authority’s unalloyed commitment towards protecting public health and minimising the discomfort dumpsites could have on neighbouring communities, adding that the agency plans to close dumpsites at close proximity to residential communities in the near future.
Appealing to residents to shun all practices such as indiscriminate disposal of waste and burning refuse that are hazardous to public health and have a negative impact on the environment, Odumboni enjoined the citizens to call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 07080601020 and 617 (for GLO users) for all inquiries on recycling and waste management related issues in their respective areas.
FK/TMS/OS
