By Dedeigbo Ayodeji
A scavenger , who identified himself as Taiwo Taiwo, Friday, explained how he picks discarded face masks from dumpsites and washes them for sale to unsuspecting Nigerians.
Taiwo Taiwo, while narrating his ordeal to our reporter said he picks used Ankara face mask from the dump site in Apapa area of Lagos.
“The Ankara face mask last longer,and it’s safer ,what we do when we pick them from the dumpsite is we wash them with hypo,and iron it very well, sometimes we will spray it perfume to make it smell nice.
“After I have succeeded in doing all these, I will give them to my girlfriend to go and display it for sale.
“I give the masks to my girlfriend to sell for ₦50, she often sell for ₦100.
“The face mask is even more better than the plastic ,copper wire we usually pick from the dump site.” Taiwo said.
When contacted on phone ,the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Secretary to the Government of Federation, Boss Mustapha, ” said the practice was harmful to both the scavengers and members of the public who buy them.
“The PTF has become aware of the on-going practice of sharing masks and picking of masks for recycling from dumpsites.
“This places a lot of responsibilities on all of us to be self-educated and to educate others.
“With the exception of fabric masks, every disposable used mask is a hazardous medical waste and should be disposed of properly, preferably by burning.
“It is very risky to share masks, as the virus is capable of remaining on surfaces for several hours and you could get infected.
“The unhealthy practice of picking up disposed masks for whatever purpose is harmful to both the individual picking it and whoever procures it later,” he cautioned.
The SGF pleaded with Nigerians for their support and understanding, especially in complying with the advisories and guidelines issued by the government, adding that the lack of compliance by any person or group of persons poses a threat to all Nigerians.
Mustapha advised high-risk people, such as the elderly and those with co-morbidity, to wear masks or face covering and avoid crowded places.
“As we reminded you earlier, please keep grandchildren away from their grandparents to avoid any transmission.
“Let me say once more that the primary responsibility of government is to protect the lives and property of all citizens.
“On the other hand, citizens have a duty to collaborate with the government by shunning risks and actions capable of jeopardising the protection provided.
“The virus does not respect boundaries, neither does it respect status.
“Let me also emphasise that we have seen visuals on the social media depicting total disregard for physical distancing in some locations.
“This is a dangerous journey towards uninhibited spread, if not checked.
“The PTF is consulting with the authorities of the identified areas to review their strategies,” he said.
