The need for waste recycling facility in Kwara

Kwara State is undoubtedly one of the neatest states in the country, this as observed is due to measures put in place by the state government over the years to ensure that the environment is adequately protected. Such strategies among others are the introduction of the 'Clean and Green' programme where several flowers and trees were planted, particularly in the state capital to beautify and protect the City's aesthetics.

Similarly, the state government also established Kwara State Waste Management Agency (KWAMA); it was saddled with the responsibilities of managing waste generated in the state and importantly, ensures cleanliness of the society.

In achieving the objectives of setting up the agency, the government, aside from employing several numbers of sweepers to sweep the city on daily basis, equally provides waste containers where refuse could be dump by the residents. The ‘Roro’ bins were placed in strategic places in the state capital and were from time to time, evacuated by the waste collectors to be deposited at various dump sites established by the government.

The efforts, without gainsaying could be said to be yielding positive results since its implementation couple of years back. This is due to the fact that the scheme has been sustained in the state since its introduction by Dr Bukola Saraki's administration.

However, due to increase in the city's population, it has equally trigger an increase in the amount of waste generated daily in Ilorin metropolis, a situation which has become of serious concern to indigenes. Also, the development is noted to have made the job of the waste collectors more difficult on daily basis as they evacuate the waste in and around the city.

Before now, the containers which take a whole day to be filled and evacuated once in a day are now being filled to the brim within the twinkle of an eye. Unfortunately, some residents have formed the habit of dropping refuse on and around the containers as they don't want to return home with it. In fact, the tonnes of refuse being generated presently are at an alarming rate in the city daily.

Therefore, it is obvious that government needs to be proactive on the issue by looking at the advantage inherent in the waste products for recycling rather than allowing it to continue to pose danger to the wellbeing of residents of the state. It is an avenue government could use to the advantage of the state and establish a recycling facility. With that in place, the burden of the waste generated would turn to wealth for government.

Meanwhile, it could be recalled that the Lagos State Government has recently taken the lead in that aspect as the immediate past governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, commissioned a N1.3 billion West Africa Energy Material Recovery Facility (MRF), at LASU-Iba Road, Igando area of the state. The facility is said to be able among others, to separate and prepare recyclable materials for end-users' manufacturers.

The project, which comes under a Public Private Partnership (PPP), collaboration between the state and West Africa Energy Group, is to operate on the Built, Operate, Manage and Transfer, BOMT, policy framework. It has tenure of 12years with 20 per cent equity to the state government monthly. Presently, the facility, which could further be expanded, has the capacity for 150 trucks per day and could accommodate 450 staff.

Therefore, it is believed that it would be of great advantage to the state if Kwara State Government could follow suit by setting up similar facility in the state. Also, given the high turnover of waste presently generated in the state, it is gathered that larger percentage of such waste could be recycled to reduce the amount going to landfills and dump sites. Rather than having several dump sites as it is presently, the facility could be located in an area where all trucks would be diverted for immediate recycling.

Commenting on the development while speaking with National Pilot at the weekend, an Environmentalist, Mr. Olushola Ajakaiye, who is based in Ilorin, said it would be a welcome idea if Kwara State Government could tap into such avenue, noting that it would also serve as another means of protecting the environment.

Ajakaiye added that having such facility in place is not something new as it is the practice, especially in the developed countries, where top priority is placed on protecting the environment as well as ensuring that people are safe from diseases.

He said that the people of the state stand to benefit tremendously from the scheme if implemented, especially the host community, as several numbers of unemployed people would be gainfully employed.

Also, the expert further added that the prepared recyclable materials would be sold to the end users, who would in turn use them to produce other things while government would also get its revenue.

“There is no doubt about that it will be a welcome idea if recycling facility can be established in the state because as you can see the amount of waste being generated on daily basis in Ilorin is now alarming. So for government that takes its people's health as priority, it will be a good idea.

“Though, it is not a new trend to the developed world, such development is new to us in Africa. It has been practiced over the years and they found it helpful.

“So, instead of setting the refuse ablaze every time at the dump sites, which at the same time causes serious pollution to the environment, the waste as it is can be productive and be useful again depending on our pro-activeness”, he said.

It is expected that if established, the facility would greatly assist the state government in its drive towards creating employment opportunities for thousands of its unemployed citizens in the state. Also, several Kwarans stand to benefit from such establishment.

Importantly, it would serve as another avenue where government could internally generate revenue and would add value to the environment of the state and ensure a safer and more conducive atmosphere for the wellness of its citizens.

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