Founder of Sustain Recycle, Olatorera Dickson-Amusa, has identified indiscriminate dumping of refuse as a major cause of flood, urging governments at all levels to tackle the ugly act.
She said the best way authorities can tackle indiscriminate dumping of refuse to manage flooding in the country is by educating the people on its implication.
Miss Dickson-Amusa who applauded the federal government’s plans to phase out plastics in the country, said the move was a call on the right direction.
She noted that plastic was among the dangerous items used by Nigerians due to it’s toxic nature, and that plastics are non degradable.
According to her, most drainage blockages are caused by plastic and the indiscriminate dumping of refuse.
On turning waste to wealth, Miss Dickson-Amusa said waste was what both government and individuals can tap from its numerous benefits.
“Plastics are harmful to the environment in the long run, but when recycled, they can be reused to create household items, tiles, even houses. When sold, plastics have high income earning potential, added to the fact that by so doing, we are helping the environment.
“There should be awareness. Overseas, if you submit a certain number of plastics, some amount of money is being given to you. Nigerian government should make it interesting for people, if you bring in a certain number of plastics, an amount of money will be given in return,” she said.
On the idea behind Sustain Recycle, she said the organisation was founded in 2020.
She added, “Our mandate is to teach schools, with focus on the youth, because they are the future and the most impressionable. We mix theory with a practical approach by teaching and organising programmes. Just like what we are doing today to make sure that the message of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are passed across.
“Nobody is bankrolling us for now, though we are hoping to get lots of sponsors, because we are not a governmental organisation, rather a private, youth driven initiative.
“For now we are based in Abuja. We have carried out clean-up in Niger dtate recently. Our plan is to spread to 36 states of the federation.”
