Wastes, according to the Basel
convention are substances or objects which are disposed off or are intended or
required to be disposed off by the provisions of international law.
Wastes are measured by size or
weight and there is a difference between the two. The Basel convention estimated
338 million tonnes of wastes are generated in 2001.
Wastes are believed to attract
pests and insects, also a very coarse odour. These insects and pests attract gastro
- intestinal parasites, yellow fever, worms, etc.
Wastes can contaminate the
environment such as the surrounding water, (surface water and underground
water), soil and the atmosphere (air).
Several proposals to locate waste
site or dump site has been met with strong restriction and has a slogan, “not
in my back yard”.
This slogan has forced the
populace to turn every available site or place around to a dumpsite and thus
affecting our environment.
Managing waste is economically
high and is often paid for and catered for by the government. But an effective
management style or practised is the Lagos state government which can be
studied and copied for the case of Ogun state. This waste management strategy
or policy will also serve as a source of revenue for the government owing to
the processing of the waste to get several raw materials, fertilizers, etc.
Meanwhile, the education and
awareness of people in the area of waste is important from the perspective of
resource management.
A stroll or walk around will
leave one tight lipped with the situation of our environment and the idea of
disposal of waste around the nation.
The government needs to put
policy in place and take drastic steps in regulating waste disposal system and
management.
The model that can be studied to
serve as a start point for effective management strategy is the Lagos state
model of waste disposal and management, which is referred to in Lagos state as
Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). Lagos was once known as the hub
of indiscriminate waste disposal where almost every available space is used or
turned to dumpsites, even the government owned roads and drainages.
But now the story is different as
Lagos to a certain extent can boast of a moderately clean environment, which
can still be improved on.
The location of waste treatment
and disposal facilities need adequate consideration as effort for effective
waste management is concerned.
Informal waste collectors and
cart pushers such as metal scavengers and others can also help to reduce the
pollution caused waste disposal. These scavengers are to be monitored and
registered to allow for effective monitoring and management, coupled with the
effort of the private sector.
Private sector participation is
also a good avenue to control disposal of waste in our environment as majority
of our industries and individual do not really have a good disposal system
whether in their premises or outside.
Towards the fulfilment of the
slogan health is wealth, everyone
involved in the production of waste whether electronic, chemical and other
forms of waste should endeavour to dispose of the waste properly rather than
indiscriminately.
Cleanliness is next to Godliness.
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