By ibrahima yakubu
In a statement signed by the Register General of the African Institute of Waste Management and Environmental Studies (AIWMES), Dr. Ahmed Lateef Tayo, he stressed the need for collaborative efforts towards saving lives and properties during this year raining seasons.
The said, Managing waste during the rainy season in Africa is crucial to prevent pollution and maintain the health of waterways and hence the need to join hands with every stakeholder to combat plastic pollutions causing serious problems to the Marine environment
The Institutes suggest some considerations for waste and waterway management during the rainy season to avert losing lives
According to Dr. Ahmed Lateef Tayo,
Proper waste disposal: Promote proper waste disposal practices within communities, ensuring that waste is disposed of in designated collection points or properly managed waste facilities. Discourage the dumping of waste in or near waterways, as heavy rains can wash the waste into the water, leading to pollution.
While adding that Waste collection and removal: Ensure an efficient waste collection system, particularly in urban areas, to prevent waste from accumulating and causing blockages in drainage systems. Regular collection and removal of waste minimize the risk of clogged waterways and subsequent flooding.
He also emphasized on Drainage maintenance: Conduct regular maintenance of drainage systems, including clearing debris, sediment, and waste that can obstruct the flow of water. Proper drainage infrastructure helps prevent stagnant water and reduces the risk of waterborne diseases.
Recycling and waste reduction: Encourage waste reduction and recycling initiatives to minimize the amount of waste generated.
Promote the separation of recyclable materials and establish recycling programs within communities. This reduces the overall waste load and lessens the potential for waste to end up in waterways.
Education and awareness: Raise awareness among the public about the importance of proper waste management and its impact on waterways. Conduct educational campaigns to inform communities about the environmental consequences of improper waste disposal during the rainy season. Encourage behavior change and responsible waste management practices.
Clean-up campaigns: Organize community clean-up campaigns to remove waste from waterways and their surrounding areas. Mobilize volunteers and community members to participate in clean-up activities, emphasizing the importance of keeping waterways clean and preventing pollution.
Partnerships and collaboration: Foster partnerships between local communities, government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders to collectively address waste management challenges during the rainy season. Collaborative efforts can lead to more effective waste management strategies and promote sustainable practices.
Monitoring and enforcement: Establish monitoring mechanisms to track waste management practices and enforce regulations. Implement penalties for improper waste disposal to discourage irresponsible behavior and ensure compliance with waste management guidelines.
By implementing these measures, it is possible to minimize the negative impacts of waste on waterways during the rainy season in Africa. Protecting waterways from pollution not only helps maintain ecological balance but also safeguards the health and well-being of communities that rely on these water resources.
