By; Matthew Ukachunwa, Lagos.
Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, has ordered the closure of every pig farm in residential places in the state.
This measure is part of the efforts to prevent health hazards arising from carrying out such activities in residential areas.
“This closure order came on the heels of several petitions sent by residents of Taiwo Adewole Street, I New Oko Oba Settlement of Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA) against the activities of a pig farm located on the street that has continued to pose both health and environmental hazards to residents,” the state government explained.
According to it, it has become inevitable to stop this activity of pig farming in residential areas, because it poses health risk to people living in the area.
In addition, some pigs in these areas have been confiscated and their owners ordered to report at Alausa, the seat of power, to negotiate relocation of their pig farms.
The government noted that it is not only pig farming that endangers the health of residents. “The environmental effects associated with pig farming and other poultry production includes but not limited to ground water and surface water contamination, air pollution and greenhouse emission, and long-run soil toxicity to plants and animals.”
The government, therefore, urged Lagosians to play the watchdog role by reporting activities that are capable of endangering the health and safety of communities.
