Lagos Residents Raise Concerns Over Proposed Ban on Single-Use Plastics and Sachet Water

 

Residents of Lagos State have expressed worry over the state government’s plan to ban single-use plastics (SUPs) and sachet water, fearing it could result in job losses and disrupt the local economy.

During interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, many residents urged the government to reconsider the proposed ban, which is set to take effect in January 2025. The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, recently announced the ban at a stakeholders’ workshop, stating that the policy aims to establish sustainable waste management practices and protect public health and the environment.

Wahab explained that materials like styrofoam and SUPs take centuries to degrade, making the ban crucial for environmental protection. He also assured the public that the government is collaborating with the private sector to provide alternatives and invest in research for new technological solutions.

However, the announcement has sparked concerns among manufacturers, water vendors, and retailers, many of whom rely on the sachet water business for their livelihood.

Akinyemi Bolaji, a sales manager at Aremson Water Ltd., Ojo First Gate, warned that the ban could result in widespread unemployment. "The ban will affect many people's jobs and lead to economic hardship. There needs to be an alternative solution for clean water and better waste disposal," Bolaji said.

Similarly, water vendor Vera Osiyemi noted that sachet water has been a key tool in preventing waterborne diseases like cholera. "If they ban sachet water, what’s the alternative? Are we supposed to go back to selling iced water like in the old days?" she asked.

Another vendor, Afusat Ajibola, shared her doubts about the feasibility of the ban, stressing that clean water access is a priority. "If the government bans sachet water, it could trigger a serious cholera outbreak. The focus should be on waste disposal, not banning sachet water," she added.

Other residents, like medical doctor Olufemi Adeyemi, highlighted the potential public health risks. He emphasized the need for the government to provide alternative clean water sources before enforcing the ban. "Without proper alternatives, millions of people could lose access to affordable potable water," Adeyemi said. He also suggested the government could improve public water infrastructure to reduce dependence on sachet water.

While some commend the environmental intentions behind the ban, many Lagosians fear it could create more problems than it solves. The residents are calling for better waste management education, more accessible recycling options, and government investment in public water systems to ensure clean and affordable water for all.