A member of the Oyo State House of Assembly has called for the implementation and enforcement of waste management regulations at Lapite dumpsite in Akinyele Local Government.
The lawmaker, Hon. Lekan Abiola, representing Akinyele state constituency 1, noted that the enforcement of waste management regulations will ensure effective control of disposal of waste at the dumpsite.
The call was contained in a motion he brought before the House during the plenary on Thursday.
According to Hon. Abiola, the Lapite dumpsite on the Oyo-Ibadan Expressway is reeking out disgusting smell to people in the communities and road users, thereby becoming an alarming threat to both human health and the environment.
He also hinted that the practice of burning waste at the Lapite dumpsite is causing severe air pollution, saying that the harmful chemicals and particles released during burning are a direct threat to the respiratory health of nearby residents.
“Without immediate intervention, the health risks and environmental damage caused by the Lapite dumpsite will continue to escalate. The well-being of the community and the preservation of the local ecosystem are at stake”.
“The unchecked disposal of waste at this site, driven by rapid population growth, industrial activities, and urbanization, has led to severe environmental damage. The disturbing practice of burning waste at the dumpsite adds to the problem by releasing harmful fumes into the atmosphere, endangering the health of nearby residents.”
Hon. Abiola, however, stressed the need for government to enforce 100m setback and perimeter fencing around the dumpsites.
Considering the motion, some lawmakers who contributed to the motion, decried the indiscriminate dumping of refuse by residents.
They said the action is capable of causing erosion and flooding especially during rainy season.
Passing the resolutions, Speaker of the House, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, called on the executive arm of government to develop and implement a detailed waste management plan that includes regular monitoring, effective waste segregation, recycling, and safe disposal methods.
Hon. Ogundoyin also urged the Ministry of Information and Orientation to launch awareness campaigns and educational programs to inform the public about the dangers of improper waste management and encourage community participation in maintaining environmental health.
