The Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA) has shut down two Chinese companies for allegedly operating in unsanitary conditions and improper waste disposal practices,Daily Trust reports.
The government stated that these companies also failed to hire accredited waste collectors to manage their waste properly.
The companies in question are Yibao Industrial Limited, located in Bara Village along the Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway, and Ronchang Industrial Park, situated opposite the Julius Berger yard on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ewu-Osile.
Abayomi Hunye, Special Adviser to the Governor and Managing Director of OGWAMA, led the enforcement team that sealed the companies.
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In a statement released on Sunday, Hunye explained that OGWAMA took this action after multiple warnings to the companies were ignored.
He accused the companies of violating Section 17 of the Ogun State Waste Management Law 2020 by allowing waste to accumulate on their premises.
Hunye further noted that the companies were also found guilty of employing unaccredited waste collectors to remove their waste, in violation of the same section of the law.
“The purpose of shutting them down is to ensure they adhere to proper waste management standards in the state,” Hunye said.
He continued, “We issued several notices and warnings, and even conducted multiple inspections to advise them to clean their environment and engage government-approved waste collectors, but they refused to comply. They have been using unaccredited waste collectors who lack the capacity to manage their waste, resulting in dirty premises that expose residents to foul odors and potential underground water contamination from untreated waste.
“As a result, we had no choice but to shut them down in the interest of public safety. Their actions demonstrate gross disrespect for constituted authority, particularly as companies owned by foreigners who seem intent on damaging our environment.”
Hunye issued a warning that any company found guilty of similar violations would face sanctions, regardless of whether it is owned by Nigerians or foreigners.
