Last week, Folio Nigeria profiled Intissar Bashir-Kurfi, the 28-year-old mother of three whose company Ifrique Eco Solutions is collection nylon and converting it to interlocking tiles—helping clear in the process part of the 1,191 tons of waste produced daily in Abuja. Her work exemplifies the innovative leadership required to preserve the environment.
Presently, several neighbourhoods in Surulere, Lagos are currently swarmed by take-away packs following rains on the night of June 5. Irony: June 5 was World Environment Day; the theme was “Beat Plastic Pollution.” In Nigeria, 60 million plastic sachet water bags are disposed daily, with the country ranked ninth in the world for marine pollution, which includes 0.34 million tonnes of plastic debris in 2010. In addition to ecological problems, these cause significant health risks.
The exacerbation of the plastic pollution in Surulere is, like in many Nigerian urban settings, a result of a poor drainage system and a weak disposal culture. However, this also presents an opportunity for innovation similar to what Intissar is doing with nylon: recycling them for practical use.
Here are photos and videos shared on Twitter.
– Viewers discretion : Part II pic.twitter.com/TqgF8EXO5u
— Postsubman (@Postsubman) June 7, 2020
This is the current situation of Lagos State, Akobi Crescent ,Surulere. Just the rain that fell overnight, see the outcome. This is alarming and terrible. 😭😭 @followlasg @jidesanwoolu pic.twitter.com/55SNwNcGx3
— Ebuka (@smokyofficial_) June 7, 2020
— Series Abíọ́dún ♠ (@Engr_Series) June 7, 2020
Commenters are shifting responsibility between the Lagos State government, for its failure to install an efficient disposal system, and Surulere inhabitants, for their lack of a disposal culture.
When the govt did not make waste disposal seemless and easy for people what do you expect?
You buy refuse bins, it fill and no disposal truck to come take it for weeks & months. What choice does the govt leave the people?
— Sohnwa (@AsaAlor) June 7, 2020
There are no govt provided dustbins in Lagos. None. The leaders visit London every damn day, those things are on every street per metre. Nigerians should stop blaming themselves. Their leaders don't care. Stop defending them.
— Daily Box (@dailyboxng) June 7, 2020
Before govt intervention, can't the inhabitants come together, donate for bin bags, refuse cart and paid hands to clear the refuse? Hygiene and sanitation is poor in that neighbourhood. Were they expecting flood to bring money and jollof in those packs?😒
— Tinu (@Cchharm) June 7, 2020
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has since begun clearing the waste.
Update: LASG sent in some help to evacuate the wastes. pic.twitter.com/onXzz9UKDx
— Series Abíọ́dún ♠ (@Engr_Series) June 7, 2020
UPDATE:
LAWMA currently clearing the dirt. pic.twitter.com/OzT1kZlKE5— Ebuka (@smokyofficial_) June 7, 2020
