By Uthman Salami
The Ogun State Government has commenced the evacuation of a dumpsite located along Sholu-Kajola Road, opposite Oja Agbe Market in Ifo Local Government Area, following a series of reports by PUNCH Metro highlighting the plight of residents in the area.
Residents had, in separate interviews with our correspondent, repeatedly raised concerns about the dumpsite, describing it as a major health hazard and a source of discomfort for communities around the area.
A PUNCH Metro report published on May 20 captured residents’ complaints about the deplorable condition of the market environment and the persistent stench emanating from the dumpsite.
The report also highlighted how the waste site had worsened the condition of the only road linking the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway to more than 80 communities and villages.
Another report published on June 9 detailed the tension that erupted at the Ifo Local Government Secretariat when residents rejected assurances by the council chairman, Mr Olamilekan Kushimo, that the evacuation of the controversial dumpsite would take time.
The residents insisted that urgent action was needed to avert a looming public health crisis.
Similarly, a special report dated June 15, titled “Living beside death: Ogun residents battle toxic dumpsite, killer road,” chronicled the hardships faced by residents living around the dumpsite despite assurances from the state government that the issue would be addressed.
Speaking with our correspondent on Monday, a community leader, identified only as Ola, confirmed that officials of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority had commenced the clearing operation.
“They started the clearing this morning (Monday). We want to appreciate them for hearing our plea,” Ola said.
Another community leader, identified as Teekay, also confirmed that the evacuation was ongoing and expressed hope that the exercise would be completed.
“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.
A source in the state Ministry of Environment, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment on the matter, urged residents to ensure that the area does not return to its previous state after the ongoing 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 desist from making the place a dumpsite again,” the source said.
The state Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, had earlier assured PUNCH Metro that the dumpsite would be cleared in due course.
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