By Halimah Olamide
The Lagos state Government at the weekend announced the ban on the use of spyrofoam takeaway containers because they pose serious challenge to the environment.
Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for the Environment said the ban followed the menace which single-use plastics constitute for the environment.
The commissioner said the non-biodegradable Styrofoam are causing serious environmental challenge. He said the ban takes immediate effect.
The government said the single-use plastics clog the drainages and cause serious flood after blocking flow of water.
Ministry of Environment’s Director of Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina, in a statement, said that the decision was made in response to the environmental threat posed by single-use plastics, particularly non-biodegradable styrofoam, adding that the state’s drainage channels were constantly clogged by the material due to its careless distribution and consumption.
He said, “The state took the present action, relying on several enabling laws and regulations such as the National Environmental (Sanitation and Waste Control) Regulation 2009 which was established under NESREA Act that prohibited and specifically banned single-use plastic in the country but has not been enforced.
“The 2017 State Environmental Management and Protection Law which states under section 56(I) (y) prevent, stop or discontinue any activity or omission, which is likely to cause harm or has caused harm to human health or the environment.”
He advised residents and consumers to adopt the habit of utilising reusable water bottles and food containers for their food and beverages and to shun single-use plastics and styrofoam packaging.
“Our state cannot be held hostage to the economic interests of a few wealthy business owners compared to the millions of Lagosians suffering the consequences of indiscriminate dumping of single-use plastics and other types of waste. The well-known consequences include climate change, flooding, and diseases like cholera.
“The convenience of single-use plastic comes at a huge cost to society. We must all make small sacrifices for our collective well-being.”