The Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA) has carried out a major sanitation exercise in Kuto and its surrounding communities in Abeokuta, clearing heaps of refuse previously dumped by residents in an effort to promote a cleaner environment and prevent the outbreak of environmental-related diseases in the state capital.
The Managing Director of OGWAMA, Alhaji Farouk Akintunde, disclosed this while addressing journalists during an inspection of the clean-up operation at Kuto. He explained that the exercise was part of the agency’s ongoing commitment to maintaining environmental hygiene across Abeokuta and other parts of Ogun State.
According to him, the prompt removal of waste from residential and commercial areas is essential to safeguarding public health and preventing the spread of diseases associated with poor sanitation.
Alhaji Akintunde noted that accumulated refuse often serves as breeding grounds for harmful insects and rodents that can transmit diseases, stressing that regular waste evacuation is necessary to protect residents from such health risks.
He said the authority responded swiftly to complaints from residents about the growing refuse pile in the Kuto area, adding that OGWAMA remains committed to ensuring that waste is properly managed across the metropolis.
“Waste management is not only about cleaning the environment; it is also about protecting the health of the people. When refuse is left unattended for long periods, it can lead to serious environmental and health challenges. That is why we are committed to clearing waste promptly,” he said.
The OGWAMA boss further called on residents of Kuto and other communities in Abeokuta to cooperate with the authority by disposing of their waste properly and making use of designated collection points.
He also urged residents to avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse along roadsides, drainage channels, and open spaces, noting that such practices contribute to environmental pollution and can obstruct drainage systems, leading to flooding during the rainy season.
Akintunde reiterated the agency’s determination to sustain regular sanitation operations in Abeokuta and across the state, adding that OGWAMA would continue to intensify public awareness campaigns on proper waste disposal.
Residents in the area welcomed the clean-up exercise and expressed hope that the authority would sustain the effort to maintain cleanliness in the city.
Environmental experts have repeatedly emphasized the importance of effective waste management in urban centres, noting that proper sanitation plays a crucial role in preventing disease outbreaks and improving the quality of life for residents.
With the latest intervention at Kuto, OGWAMA says it remains focused on creating a healthier and more environmentally friendly Abeokuta for all residents.
