Ogun State Starts Cleaning Up Market Dumpsite After Reports

OGWAMA officials clearing the refuse. Photo: Residents

The Ogun State Government has started cleaning up a dumpsite on Sholu-Kajola Road, opposite Oja Agbe Market in Ifo Local Government Area. This follows several reports by PUNCH Metro that highlighted the problems faced by residents nearby.

Residents spoke to our correspondent about their worries regarding the dumpsite. They called it a serious health risk and a major source of discomfort for people living around there.

A PUNCH Metro report from May 20 captured the residents’ complaints about the bad state of the market area and the awful smell coming from the dumpsite.

The report also noted that the waste site made the only road connecting the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway to over 80 communities and villages worse.

Community Tensions

Another report on June 9 showed the tension at the Ifo Local Government Secretariat. Residents rejected promises from the council chairman, Mr Olamilekan Kushimo, that clearing the dumpsite would take time.

The residents insisted that action was needed quickly to prevent a public health crisis.

A special report on June 15, titled “Living beside death: Ogun residents battle toxic dumpsite, killer road,” detailed the struggles faced by people living near the dumpsite. This was despite the state government's assurances that they would fix the issue.

A community leader, who gave his name as Ola, spoke with our correspondent on Monday. He confirmed that officials from the Ogun State Waste Management Authority had begun the cleanup.

“They started the clearing this morning (Monday). We want to appreciate them for hearing our plea,” Ola said.

Another community leader, known as Teekay, also confirmed the evacuation was happening. He expressed hope that the cleanup would finish soon.

“They have started clearing it. This is what we have always wanted. We pray they will continue until this place is free of stench,” he said.

Looking Ahead

A source in the state Ministry of Environment, who asked to remain anonymous, encouraged residents to help keep the area clean after the operation.

“We were there a long time ago, but they chased us away. They are the ones who turned the place into a dumpsite. Now that we are clearing it, they should stop making the place a dumpsite again,” the source said.

The state Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, had assured PUNCH Metro earlier that the dumpsite would be cleared in due time.