Ondo commits to SDG target on environmental health

In a move to fully eradicate a wide range of diseases and address many different persistent and emerging health issues, the Ondo State Waste Management Authority (OSWMA) has expressed its commitment and readiness to actualize the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), which ensures healthy lives and promote well-being for all by 2030.

The General Manager, Mr. Ayo Mesileya, told The Guardian said at the weekend that the core of standard hygiene and healthy living of over 3.4 people of the state is the priority of the state government and its agencies saddled with such responsibilities.

“Aside keeping our environment clean and hygienic, we conscientiously carry out these responsibilities because we know that it is healthy people that can actively engage their day-to-day activities for economic growth, development and prosperity,” he said.

According to him, waste management has ample opportunities to generate employment and economic prosperity.

Mesileya attributed the success of the agency on the Public Private Partnership (PPP) with some private companies in the state, which collaborate with government for wider coverage.

He, however, mentioned that waste disposal is fast becoming a global issue, but the state management is leveraging on its collaboration with its partners to sensitize, educate and orientate the masses.

“We ensure that all our staff and partners who are adequately trained and retrained discharged their duties according to global best practices, and have special monitoring units to monitor their activities.

“The authority also ensures that there is a unified system even among our partners and uniform service charge to check undue exploitation of the people,” he said, claiming Ondo State is faring better than many states in the country.

The OSWMA boss disclosed that there are 21 zones in Akure metropolis with fifty trucks, while the 643 workers of the government agency work assiduously in conjunction with the 13 different partners to keep the city clean.

He added that government could generate more employment and wealth through the various value chain opportunities like recycling, bio-gas innovation to generate electricity among others.

The General Manager, who lauded the state government for its support, urged the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu-led administration to release more funds cover more areas in the state.