An expert in Environmental and Engineering Geology, Prof. Ibrahim Oyediran, has advised Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to establish engineered waste disposal sites.
Oyediran, who gave the advice in an interview in Ibadan, the state capital, on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, said such sites would protect the environment against perennial flooding and indiscriminate waste dump.
According to Oyediran of the Department of Geology, University of Ibadan, the simplest and most effective way to deal with wastes is to ensure that it does not arise.
He said that when there was refuse, it was important to manage it properly to ensure environmental protection.
“Gov. Seyi Makinde should ensure that qualified geoscientists are involved whenever waste disposal sites are to be constructed in order to ensure environmental sustainability,” he said.
The environmental expert stressed that waste sites should be located far away from habitable areas, airports, water bodies and highways.
”The risk to aquatic life, when it is close to water bodies, is inherent.
“It may interest you to know that if dump sites are located close to the airports, birds may become a source of danger and can obstruct flight movement.
“Moreover, scavengers, such as animals and even human beings, may go to the dump sites and their presence might impede traffic flow and pose great danger to the smooth operations of such sites.
“Also, you cannot locate waste sites in flood-prone areas and areas with high water tables in order to prevent groundwater contamination.
“Furthermore, you cannot situate a waste dump site in area that is geologically unstable and on chemically-active rock,” he said.
The don noted that the role of geoscientists was crucial in identifying appropriate locations for waste dumping.
“First, we need to invest in campaign and public awareness, that is, sensitising people on the danger of indiscriminate waste dumping.
“Government should be more proactive in punishing people whose actions or in actions constitute danger to proper waste disposal or free flow of water,” he said.
The geological engineer called on the state government to invest in the establishment of engineered sanitary landfill and also encourage waste sorting.
He said that waste sorting would reveal refuse that could be recycled and those that could not, thus helping the government to make decision on what to do with them.
Oyediran noted that wealth creation and employment generation could result from having a well-structured waste management system.
The geologist advised the state government to explore the possibility of the use of wastes in generating gas for powering homes.
He added that government could also embark on production of fertiliser, which he described as another means of wealth creation.
By Olawale Akinremi
