By Omobolaji Adekunle
In a move to protect the environment and public health, the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA) has shut down two Chinese companies, Yibao Industrial Limited and Ronchang Industrial Park, for operating in dirty environments and improper waste disposal.
The companies, located in Bara Village along the Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway and opposite Julius Berger yard on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, respectively, were found guilty of engaging unaccredited waste collectors, leading to illegal dumping on the expressways.
According to Abayomi Hunye, Special Adviser and Managing Director of OGWAMA, the companies had been served several notices and warnings, but refused to comply.
“We have even gone to their premises for inspections severally to counsel them to clean their environment and engage government-approved waste collectors, but they were unyielding,” Hunye said.
The OGWAMA boss noted that the companies’ actions exposed residents to unnecessary odour and possible underground water infections from their untreated waste.
“We have no alternative than to shut them down in the overriding public interest, as their behaviour and action smacks of gross disrespect to constituted authority,” Hunye added.
Hunye warned other companies engaging in similar conduct to operate within the state’s waste management laws or risk facing sanctions.
He also called on Community Development Associations and Non-Governmental Organisations to complement OGWAMA’s efforts by acting as whistle-blowers.