WITH JOKE ADENIYI-JACKSON
The introduction of the ‘Clean and Green’ programme, was one of the laudable initiatives of the administration of Dr. Bukola Saraki in Kwara State, years back. Many visitors to the state at the time could not but notice the change in the environmental outlook of the state. The programme did not only improve aesthetic of the environment, it also promoted healthy living among residents. It is believed that the quality of lives as human beings is substantially a reflection of the quality of the environment which they live in.
However, it is therefore disheartening that the environmental sanity that earned the state accolades years back, is fast degenerating. These days, heaps of refuse dumped in reckless manner, have- become commonplace in Ilorin, the state capital. Sadly, the practice is so rampant that it has become the norm, even in market places such as the popular Oja-Oba market, where heaps of refuse dumped indiscriminately have become common sight. The residential areas are not left out as dirts are strewn everywhere, which accumulate to become heaps of refuse dotting the landscape with the attendant dangers to public health. People have turned streams and drainages into refuse dumping sites; while it is raining, people come out to toss their refuse into the flowing water body. Just few days ago, after a downpour, it was observed that the Asa River was littered with refuse, which was probably washed off from drains. It is common habit for residents of the indigenous part of the state capital, especially, to empty their refuse into drainages during rainfall for it to be washed away, and it has been observed that most drainage systems have been blocked by improper maintenance and dumping of refuse, which consequently leads to flooding; another environmental hazard, which may put lives and property at risk. Going by this development, it appears that the concerned agency and Kwarans have abandoned their responsibility to manage waste efficiently. The significance of an improved environmental habit seems to have been lost on the people, or how else does one explain the flagrant environmental abuse? Ignorance has played a major role in this unhealthy habit of the people. Hence, there is the urgent need to make people understand that when they act in manners that could endanger the environment, there are consequences to such actions. There is the need for attitudinal change for a sane and friendly environment. It is instructive, that the state government cannot do it alone, the attitude of the people really counts. People need to understand that this dirty habit is detrimental to common good.
Understandably, the population of residents in Ilorin and the state in general is increasing by the day. The implication of that is increased tons of waste. It is for this reason that there must be an effective and efficient waste management efforts to prevent grievous consequences on the environmental landscape of the state. Nonetheless, for the state government to achieve set goal on sustainable clean environment, it requires the cooperation of residents and this can be achieved if they embrace positive attitude in their response to waste disposal. It is high time Kwarans stopped all practices that can hinder government efforts at tackling waste. In the light of this, government on its part must initiate more public awareness programmes on the desirability of having dirt-free and healthy environment. It is also pertinent that concerned authorities/agencies enforce environmental laws in order to deter people from the habit of littering their surroundings with refuse and dumping waste in drainage systems. Particularly, attention must be paid to motorparks and markets where this practice is common. Since the state government has provided refuse (Roro) bins at strategic positions, it should, therefore, enforce extant sanitation laws, as it is the responsibility of government promote the people’s health through a decent environment. Also the agency in charge of waste management must ensure prompt evacuation of the refuse. Most times, the refuse bins are left unattended for a long time and its content litter the environment, making such areas eyesore.
There is need for well coordinated and sustainable system for waste collection by government at all levels. Refuse collection should not be left in the hands of local waste collectors who have no formal training in waste management. The result is that they make matters worse, as they dispose the wastes where they constitute an eyesore and danger to the residents.
A clean environment is not only a healthy environment, but also an attractive and desirable one.
There is an urgent need for the state government to take the issue of indiscriminate disposal of waste as an emergency situation that needs to be curbed.
Since wastes are harmful if not properly handled, hence the need for them to be carefully collected and disposed of in the right way. And, strict penalties should also be meted out to offenders caught violating waste management regulations. The state government should be seen to be proactive in its waste to wealth programme. It should explore the possibility of turning the huge waste the state generates into wealth. Kwara should not be associated with dirt not now or in the future for common good.
