A MOUNTAIN of rubbish has taken over one of the entrance roads into Ladipo International Spare Parts Market, Mushin, Lagos State. This heap has been emitting an offensive odour, sparking complaints from some traders and taxi operators in the area.

One of the traders, Ifeanyi Nwachukwu, blamed the problem on failure of the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA) to discharge its duties. He said people have continued to dump refuse on the spot everyday, and also during the statewide environmental sanitation exercise, but the Agency has not been able to deploy its personnel to clear the eyesore.

“The terrible stench is affecting my business. Once would-be customers perceive it, they simply move away from the place, rather than stop over and buy something. I know that it is dangerous to my health but there is little I can do. LAWMA must wake up to its responsibility,” said Nwachukwu.

A taxi driver, Mr. Kolade Olalekan, regretted that the heap often causes traffic gridlock in the area, explaining that with the mass, it becomes impossible for two container-laden trucks to pass at the same time.

Olalekan said: “We have called the LAWMA office on telephone but they have refused to respond. The traffic situation hampers our business. When there is a gridlock, passengers stop patronizing us, preferring commercial motorcycles instead.

One LAWMA official, who pleaded anonymity, said some staff of the Agency are owed four month’s salary and that some others have resigned.

He said: “As of now, LAWMA does not have enough staff members because of the backlog of salaries it owes. Many of its street sweepers are widows who are struggling to make ends meet. The remuneration is poor and LAWMA management in unable to pay salaries as at when due. That is why many have left.

We have mouths to feed. How should we care for them if we do not receive salaries? We want the state government to probe the activities of LAWMA management.”