Cholera: LAWMA boss tasks residents on personal, domestic hygiene

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has called on residents to observe best personal and domestic hygiene and proper waste management practices to curb the spread of cholera.

He gave the advice yesterday at the backdrop of the current outbreak of the disease, which has reportedly claimed 30 lives across the country.

He said: “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 the spread of the fatal disease.”

The LAWMA boss suggested several precautionary measures including: proper waste disposal; ensuring safe drinking water; frequent hand-washing with soap; food safety practices; and use of proper sanitation facilities.

He admonished residents to shun indiscriminate dumping of refuse and imbibe the practice of bagging and disposing waste through covered bins to prevent the spread of diseases and ensure seamless evacuation by assigned operators.

Gbadegesin said the agency would continue to intensify efforts at ensuring 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. He urged them to align with environmental and health safety policies and avoid the reckless dumping of waste in drains and at road medians.