LAGOS WARNS AGAINST UNHYGIENIC WASTE DISPOSAL

Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Prince Rotimi Ogunleye, has warned against poor solid waste collection and disposal, saying such could lead to serious health and environmental problems.

The Commissioner gave the warning at a news conference organised by the State government at Alausa, as part of activities to commemorate the 2018 World Habitat Day with the theme: “Municipal Solid Waste Management”.

“Poor solid waste collection and disposal can lead to serious health and environmental problems from uncontrolled dump sites and waste burning. It can also lead to polluted air and water”, he said.

Ogunleye said that solid waste management was a global issue that affected everyone and that the amount of waste being generated by each individual on a daily basis is growing and thus become a great burden to Local and State authorities.

The Commissioner emphasised that the annual celebration of the Day was to serve as a reminder to all that each person has the power and the responsibility to shape the future of their cities and towns.

He disclosed that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is expected to grace the Commemoration Day event scheduled to take place on Monday, October 8, 2018 at the Lagos State Government Secretariat, while Kabir Yari would deliver United Nation’s message at the event.

Idowu Salawu, an environmental management consultant is also expected to deliver a paper on “Municipal Solid Waste Management in Lagos State.”

Recall that the United Nations General Assembly, through resolution 40/202 had declared the first Monday of October of every year as World Habitat Day to reflect on the state of our towns and cities, and on the basic rights of all to adequate shelter.