The Jakande Clean-up Anonymous

The pit yawned beneath my feet, over 50m deep and 200m in diameter. I stood at its edge, an infinitesimal figure at the boundary of endless filth and decay. I realised, with growing dread, that we had indeed come to Jakande; we had come to the inhabitable dwelling of over two hundred families. This incidental service opportunity with the Jakande Clean-up Initiative compelled me to join my school’s Environmental Committee. Our partnership with the Lagos Waste Management Agency (LAWMA) in Nigeria gave me great insight into the processes and infrastructure underpinning sanitation and water supply.

Over three years, I studied the improvement of waste management techniques to better meet the development needs of individuals, companies and society in a manner which is consistent with human and ecosystem health. I discovered that landfills could include systems for the extraction of gases used for electricity generation. I also understood the necessity of minimizing leakage by solidification with cement or asphalt; a prevalent concern in our city. Above all, I have learnt that a proactive mind-set and great further education is the propeller of my ambitions and look forward to partaking of and contributing to the rich atmosphere of...