News in Brief:
– LASEPA has introduced smokeless fish-smoking kilns to women in Ago-Egun, Lagos, addressing air pollution and boosting economic capacity through training and technological advancement.
– This aims to transition the community from traditional, harmful practices to sustainable methods, fostering environmental health and economic growth.
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has launched a training programme in collaboration with RDD Associates to equip local women with new fish-smoking techniques.
It aims to reduce air pollution and enhance economic opportunities by transitioning from traditional, smoke-producing methods to the use of modern, smokeless kilns.
Addressing environmental concerns
The programme, conducted in Ago-Egun, Ilaje-Bariga Fishing Community, provided hands-on training to 20 members of the Asejere Fish Smoking Women Group.
LASEPA claims to have been actively monitoring air quality in the region and identified traditional fish smoking as a significant source of pollution. Therefore, the introduction of smokeless kilns is a strategic move to mitigate these environmental hazards.
According to Mrs Ayodele Osho, Head of the Air Quality and Emissions Unit at LASEPA, air quality sensors deployed in pollution hotspots, including this community, revealed the detrimental effects of traditional practices.
Osho, who represented the General Manager Dr Babatunde Ajayi, added that the new kilns offer a cleaner alternative, protecting both the environment and the health of residents.
Technological advancement and economic benefits
The newly installed smokeless kilns feature a three-door design with multiple layers, significantly reducing emissions. It supports waste-to-wealth initiatives by enabling the conversion of fish waste into animal feed.
Increased efficiency of the kilns allows processors to smoke between seven to eight cartons of fish at once, boosting the capacity of local businesses.
The community initially showed a preference for the traditional brownish hue imparted by sawdust smoking. However, LASEPA and RDD Associates say they are actively engaging the community through training and awareness campaigns.
More recent feedback from surveys indicated a growing understanding of the health risks associated with traditional methods and a willingness to embrace the new technology.
Mr Felix Joseph, representing the Baale of Ago Egun-Ilaje Community, expressed gratitude for the initiative, highlighting its potential to improve living conditions while preserving the community’s livelihood.
LASEPA works to enforce environmental regulations, monitor pollution levels, and promote sustainable practices across various sectors.
