In this article I read about a major problem that is reoccurring in modern day Africa. I read the article, “Nigeria probes disappearance of 'toxic waste' ship”, and it is disappointing to hear that Nigeria and other parts of Africa are becoming dumping points for electronic waste. Apparently a ship from the United Kingdom (UK) dumped off seven containers that officials believe contained electronic waste. The electronic waste that the article talks about could be anything from computers and electronics of that sort or other toxic waste.
Here is a picture of Lagos, Nigeria ports
travel-images.com
Here is a picture of electornic wastes that are over polluting Nigeria
weblog.greenpeace.org
I begin to wonder why Nigeria? It must be the thought of many people that dumping toxic waste in Africa is an easy way to avoid responsibility. Not disposing of electronic waste is pollution, and it is ridiculous to hear that trusted, educated officials are sending ships to Nigeria to pollute the world and a different country.
The second question I begin to ponder is how did the ship leave the port after dumping the electronic waste? After reading the article, it is clear that security is a continuing problem in the ports of Nigeria. Employees working at the port have record of the ship arriving, but have not the slightest idea of how or when exactly the ship left. Lack or security is most likely the major reason other countries are choosing Nigeria to dump off toxic materials.
It is important that they act sooner rather than later on developing a better security system and documentation system in the ports of Nigeria, because it is unfortunate to see in the news that 400,000 second hand computers end up in the ports of Lagos, Nigeria every month! The people of Nigeria have the right to live a safer less toxic life, and this issue could raise many health concerns in the future.
Here is a link a helpful, informative clip on e-waste. It talks about e-waste in relation to the United States.
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