LAGOS ADVOCATES EFFECTIVE WASTEWATER PRACTICE IN THE STATE

The General Manager of the Lagos Wastewater Management Office, Engr. Adebola Matanmi has advocated for an effective wastewater management practice in the State.

 

Matanmi, who made the declaration recently at an advocacy and sensitization visit to the State Ministry of Education, noted that 80% of the water we use is returned as wastewater and that once contaminated underground it becomes carcinogenic to our immune system and ultimately dangerous water from our boreholes.

 

He said the objective of the advocacy is, therefore, to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to actualize the provision of an appropriate wastewater treatment system in all public and private schools and to sensitise both public and private institutions on appropriate wastewater management practices.

 

He added that the sensitisation aims to achieve a paradigm shift and behavioural change in the younger generation as it relates to the management of wastewater in Lagos.

 

The General Manager stressed that with the support of the State Ministry of Education, sensitisation in private and public educational institutions on appropriate wastewater management practices will be easily accomplished, adding that the Agency chose to focus on students because they are high on the list of water users.

 

According to him, “A student will use at least 76litres of water per day, if the water gets to the septic tank it contaminates the boreholes in our schools, homes and offices, hence the need to treat our wastewater to avoid the spread of epidemic and bacteria to our body system”.

 

He informed that the advocacy visit will also be spread to all the nooks and crannies of the State in line with its responsibility of managing wastewater and conformity with internationally approved best practices.

 

A presentation on WASTEWATER, EFFECTS, AND PROPER HANDLING, delivered by the Head of the Advocacy Unit of the Agency, Mrs. Sessi Abodunde, focused on the Definition of Wastewater; Ideal Wastewater Management Practices; Why Treat Wastewater?; Effects of Improper Wastewater Management and Inappropriate Wastewater Management Practices In Lagos State.

 

The Permanent Secretary Min of Education, Tutor-Generals and Directors present at the ceremony applauded the General Manager and his team for a job well-done and assured the Office of support and future collaboration.