OGUN SEALS PAPER COMPANY OVER ILLEGAL DUMPSITE, RIVER POLLUTION

The Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA) has sealed Dahua Paper Company Limited in Owowo Village, near Abeokuta, over alleged illegal waste disposal and open burning of refuse.

The enforcement operation was led by the Managing Director of OGWAMA, Farouk Akintunde, following months of monitoring and intelligence gathering by the agency.
Akintunde said the company was found operating an unauthorised dumpsite opposite its factory, where waste was allegedly being dumped and openly burnt.
He said the activities violated provisions of the Ogun State Environmental and Public Health Law 2006 and the OGWAMA Law 2020, which prohibit open burning of waste and prescribe sanctions for offenders.
According to the OGWAMA boss, officials also discovered that waste from the dumpsite was being pushed into a nearby river.
He warned that such practices could contaminate surface and underground water sources, particularly because the affected river serves communities in nearby villages.
The authority said the pollution posed a potential threat to the health of residents who depend on the water source.
Two lorries allegedly used to transport and dump waste at the illegal site were also found at the location and confiscated by the enforcement team.
OGWAMA said the company would remain sealed while the matter is dealt with in accordance with the law.
Akintunde warned other companies, individuals and organisations operating illegal dumpsites or engaging in open burning of waste to desist from the practice.
He urged waste generators to register with the authority and adopt approved waste-disposal methods, stressing that the government would continue to enforce environmental regulations across the state.