Cholera: LAWMA boss tasks residents on personal, domestic hygiene
CHIGOZIE AMADI
Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director/CEO, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA),urged residents to observe best personal and domestic hygiene to curb spread of cholera
He also said there was need for proper waste management and disposal of Lagos state is stop the rampaging cholera.
He gave the advice in a statement on Tuesday against the recent outbreak of the disease, which has claimed some lives, leaving many hospitalised.
Gbadegesin noted that Cholera, a severe diarrheal illness caused by infection with the bacterium vibrio cholerae, spreads primarily through contaminated water and food, thriving rapidly in unsanitary conditions.
“The outbreak of cholera in the state is a serious public health concern. It is imperative that every resident takes proactive measures to prevent further spread of the disease.
“Ensuring proper personal and domestic hygiene, including efficient waste management, will go a long way in curbing spread of the fatal disease,” Gbadegesin said.
The LAWMA boss suggested several precautionary measures including: ensuring safe drinking water; frequent hand-washing with soap; food safety practices and use of proper sanitation facilities among others.
He admonished residents to shun indiscriminate refuse dumping and to imbibe the practice of bagging and disposing of their waste using covered bins to prevent the spread of diseases by vectors, and ensure seamless evacuation by assigned PSP operators.
Gbadegesin said the authority would continue to intensify efforts at making sure that waste generated across the state was promptly and efficiently managed, with service providers working around the clock to clean up black spots.
He further appealed to residents to always wash their hands when they come in contact with waste, either while bagging or putting in covered bins.
He urged them to align with the state government’s environmental and health safety policies, by avoiding reckless waste dumping in drains, road medians, among other negative environmental practices.
“We are fully committed to the health and safety of every resident. Our teams are on ground, ensuring that waste is properly collected and disposed of to minimise health risks.
” However, we need the cooperation of all residents to maintain a clean and safe environment,” Gbadegesin said.
