OGUN SEALS TWO CHINESE COMPANIES FOR IMPROPER WASTE DISPOSAL

By Miracle Okoro, Abeokuta

 Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA), has sealed two Chinese companies for improper waste disposal and engaging unaccredited waste collectors.

The companies, located at Yibao Industrial Limited, Bara Village along the Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway and Ronchang Industrial Park, opposite Julius Berger, Lagos -Ibadan Expressway Ewu-Osile.

The Special Adviser and Managing Director, OGWAMA, Hon. Abayomi Hunye, while speaking during an enforcement exercise that led to the closure of the companies, said the agency had issued several notices but the companies failed to comply, which contravenes Section 17 of the Ogun State Waste Management Law 2020, noting that it was expedient to engage accredited waste collectors for proper disposal.

"The essence of shutting them down is to ensure that they comply with the standard ways of managing wastes in the state. We have served them several notices and warnings and they refused to comply. We have even gone to their premises for inspections severally to counsel them to engage government-approved waste collectors but they were unyielding. They both engage unaccredited waste collectors who have no capacities to manage their wastes, thereby exposing residents of the state to unnecessary odour and possible underground water infections from their untreated waste’’, he said.

The governor’s aide stated that the companies’ offense overrides public interest, as their action shows gross disrespect to constituted authority, warning that government would not fold its arms and allow anyone to flagrantly disobey its laws and destroy the environment.

"Proper waste management is key in Ogun State, to continually promote healthier and safer living of our people. We will not compromise on this. All companies must therefore partner with us for proper management of their wastes for us to be free of diseases emanating from improperly managed domestic or industrial wastes", he said.

Hunye urged companies operating in the state to always comply with environmental laws, while Communities Development Associations and Non- Governmental Organisations, should support the agency towards enhancing the quality life of residents.