OGHENETEJIRI NYEROVWO
To enable the people live in an environmentally friendly atmosphere devoid of outbreaks of diseases proper management of waste generated by Nigerians has been advocated just as the people would be better for it economically and otherwise.
Speaking at a seminar/award night put together by the Waste Management Association of Nigeria, Delta State chapter, Chief Festus Ibukun Ogunleye, chairman, Delta State chapter of Waste Management Association of Nigeria said that if waste is properly managed, the
larger society would be better for it economically as it would create jobs as well as wealth.
Mr. Ogunleye said that mismanagement of waste as exhibited by irregular collection, inadequate disposal sites as well as contamination of waste matter with hazardous chemicals have negative impact on the eco-system and health of the people especially those living near waste disposal sites.
He was of the opinion that mismanagement of waste poses economic and environmental hazards to the society saying that society and the people is endangered as long as waste is mismanaged, adding that the decay of organic waste alone contributes 5 percent of green house gases globally, and it is daily reported from the Government that waste is a major economic drain, especially on state budgets.
Mr. Ogunleye further disclosed that contrary to what the majority thinks, effective waste management does not start merely by putting waste in bins, rather it start from a more efficient usage of resources as opposed to an inefficient usage of things, as reflected in the arbitrary discarding of materials abandoned as waste, which unwittingly contributes huge economic cost born by the society as a whole.
He then used the opportunity to call on government at all levels to as matter of urgent importance see waste as a resources, a resources that can be recovered and put into productive and profitable use, saying that we should begin to take step in that direction.
