Oyo state House of Assembly has urged the executive arm through the waste management authority, to Implement and enforce strict waste regulations at Lapite dump site, Akinyele Local government to control the disposal of waste at the dumpsite.
This followed a motion brought to the house by member representing Akinyele state constituency 1, Hon. Lekan Abiola during 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.
Hon Abiola also hinted that the practice of burning waste at the Lapite dumpsite is causing severe air pollution, noting that the harmful chemicals and particles released during burning are a direct threat to the respiratory health of nearby residents.
He said “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”.
The lawmaker however stressed the need for government to enforce 100m setback and perimeter fencing around the dumpsites.
Considering the motion, lawmakers on the floor of the house decried indiscriminate dumping of refuse by residents which they said was capable of causing erosion and flooding especially during rainy season.
Reacting, Speaker of the house, Rt Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin called on the executive 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 executive through the Ministry of Information 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.
