Environmentalists, Soji Akinjimi and Adetoun Bilkis-Brown, on Saturday decried increasing refuse dumping on the Epe-Ijebu Ode Expressway and called for urgent measures to preserve the road.

The environmentalists spoke in Lagos based on concerns by motorists and residents over indiscriminate refuse dumping along the newly-constructed road.

The Project Director, Urban Renewal Initiative, Mr Akinjimi, said increasing refuse dumping along the corridor threatened its legacy status.

He said the development was giving the area a slum-like image due to the stench from the dump.

“The situation, especially within the axis stretching from Poka to Eredo community, has become a serious environmental and public hazard requiring urgent attention.

“What should ordinarily be a clean and welcoming route for travellers, businesses and investors has gradually become unpleasant because of continuous refuse accumulation.

“Day after day, heaps of waste are openly deposited on the expressway, creating unhealthy conditions and exposing residents and commuters to environmental and health hazards,” he said.

Ms Bilkis-Brown, an environmental activist, described the road as a major route linking Lagos to Ogun State and other parts of the country.

She condemned the passive attitude of residents toward protecting public infrastructure meant for collective use.

According to her, the condition of the road reflects the image of the surrounding communities and Lagos State.

She said, “Apart from health hazards, roadside refuse dumping gives visitors and road users a poor impression of the communities. It also raises concerns about environmental management and public sanitation.

“With the return of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in the state, attention should focus on major roads to prevent them from becoming dumpsites. Government agencies responsible for the sector should impose stiff sanctions on indiscriminate refuse dumpers.”

She added that indiscriminate refuse disposal also blocked drainage channels during rainfall, resulting in flooding and erosion. 

(NAN)