As part of its commitment in ensuring a safe environment for all Lagosians, the State Governor Mr Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the closure of the Olusosun Dumpsite, near the Ojota area.
The Governor stated this while addressing scavengers at the Dumpsite last week Friday, during his visit to the area to assess the impact of the recent fire outbreak.
It was reported that there was a fire outbreak last week at the Olusosun Dumpsite, which was effectively contained through a rapid response from the Lagos State Fire Service and Emergency Management Team.
Ambode was grateful that the incident did not escalate into a full blown disaster, and assured the scavengers at the site that the decision was in the best interest of all Lagosians.
The Governor committed to an engagement of the scavengers at the Olusosun Dumpsite, to ensure their means of livelihood is sustained.
Some of the Lagos Buses in the park located near the Dumpsite, were burnt down by the inferno from the fire outbreak.
The Cleaner Lagos Initiative, in a statement on the incident debunked claims that the fire was a deliberate action of the Lagos State Government.
CLI further stated that the fire outbreak was a result of the pockets of unstable gases caused by indiscriminate dumping and further compounded by dry weather”.
Olusosun Dumpsite established in the 80s has served as the major reservoir of waste collection in the entire mainland area of Lagos, and has been utilized for over 3 decades.
Environmentalist and CEO of MacPress Limited Mr Idowu Salami in an interview with Proshare WebTV earlier this year, advised the Lagos States Government to expedite steps in closing down the Olusosun Dumpsite, for the safety of the environs in the area.
Massive developments have occurred around the Dumpsite, which has seen a rapid spread of economic activities.
Major strategic areas around the Olusosun Dumpsite include; Ojota, Ketu, Motorways Building, Ikosi GRA, Magodo GRA 2, Otedola Estate, Omole Phase 2, Shangisha and Oregun.
According to the Commissioner of Information and Strategy Mr Kehinde Bamigbetan the Olusosun Dumpsite will be transformed into parks and gardens for recreational activities, amongst others.
With the closure of Olusosun, Mr Bamigbetan said Waste Collection Operators should now utilize the landfill sites at Owi Elepe(Ikorodu) and Epe .
Source: Proshare
