July 24, 2024
A group of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has urged the Lagos State Government (LASG) to halt its proposed plan to construct a waste-to-energy incinerator plant at Epe.
Mr Akpan Anthony, the Founder/President, Pan African Vision for the Environment, Lagos, read the demands of the group at a news conference on Tuesday in Lagos.
Other members of the group include Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development Lagos, Sustainable Environment Development Initiative, Edo and Community Development Advocacy Foundation Delta.
Others are Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, Edo and Green Knowledge Foundation Delta and Centre for Earth Works, Plateau.
Others are Lekeh Development Foundation Rivers and Community Action Against Plastic Waste Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Policy Alert Akwa Ibom, Young Farmers Network FCT and Ecocykle FCT.
The Lagos State government had hinted on plans to build waste-to-energy plants in Olusosun, Epe and Badagry dumpsites in different parts of the state.
The state’s commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, revealed this at the waste-to-energy summit, “Driving Environmental Sustainability,” in Lagos.
The group also urged the Lagos State Government to impose a moratorium on the building of any waste incineration plants and adopt a zero waste approach.
“We strongly urge the Lagos State Government to prioritise the implementation of zero waste strategies such as reduction of waste generation, source segregation, recycling, composting, and reuse programmes.
“These approaches prioritise value retention and provide more environmentally friendly and economically efficient options as alternatives to incineration,” said the group.
The CSO added that it was crucial to invest in research and development of waste management technologies and approaches to prioritise environmental protection, public health, and social equity.
They stressed that products and materials that were difficult to recycle should be phased out from the market and replaced by alternative materials or models of delivery.
The group urged the government to carryout broader consultation with the public and environmental CSOs.
“This comprehensive and transparent consultation process should involve the fenceline communities, environmental CSOs and waste management experts.
“There should be public engagement to accurately inform the public about the potential environmental, social, and health implications of the project on the surrounding communities in Epe and their ecosystems.
“This process should be inclusive and prioritise meaningful, equitable participation of all impacted right holders, upholding Free, Prior, and Informed Consent,” said the group.
The group urged all concerned citizens, environmental organisations, and stakeholders to join them in the critical fight for a cleaner and healthier Lagos.
“Together, we can make a difference and protect our environment for future generations,” the group said.(NAN)
