Engr. Yusuf Majolagbe, the Lagos Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers (NIEE), has called for more integrated support by relevant stakeholders to improve Water, Sanitation, and Health (WASH) in the state.
Majolagbe spoke recently at the state chapter’s 2023 Conference. The event, themed: ‘Lagos WASH Policy Implementation: Attaining the Megacity Status’, was attended by members of the NIEE, the organisation’s leaders, tech experts, and social entrepreneurs. The chapter also held its Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Specifically, Majolagbe stressed the importance of sanitation, saying its intervention ought to be done in an integrated manner to gain traction and promote sustainable hygiene practices in the country.
The Lagos NIEE chief noted that it was critical to acknowledge the absence of a national, clear, and coherent sanitation sector policy framework, saying this was a huge challenge.
Majolagbe said:
“The waste will get properly treated, the contaminants will be removed, and possibly, we are talking about a circular economy. That way, the sludge is being used back as fertiliser. I mean, nothing goes to waste.
“So, it’s highly connected once we have the wash policy. The clean water and sanitation are actually intertwined.
“Once both agenda are put on the front burner, then we can be sure to have a healthier and liveable society.”
Furthermore, the environmental expert called for renewed collaboration between all stakeholders that would ensure unhindered implementation of formulated policies, adding that Nigeria needs to get it right when it comes to sanitation.
TOP MEDIA reports that the African Ministerial Council on Water (AMCOW) had developed the African Sanitation Policy Guidelines (ASPG) for member states to develop, review, and implement national sanitation and hygiene policies. It provides a guide to African governments to enhance or develop a clear and comprehensive sanitation policy that will pave the way for the development and implementation of large-scale national sanitation programmes.
Apart from the AGM and Conference, awards were also presented to deserving individuals.
