The median of the road linking Lawanson to Apapa-Oshodi by Iyana-Itire is usually littered with heap of refuse dumped mostly by residents. This, The Guardian, learnt owes to the failure of some residents to patronise PSP waste collector. Thus, dumping waste generated in their homes or work place on the road, street junctions or median slabs is the only available means for them.

The Guardian checks revealed this not only pollutes the environment but also erodes its aesthetic appeal. “Residents often overlook the health implications of indiscriminate waste disposal. During heavy rainfall, the streets become littered with waste, including items discarded from overflowing bins,” said Kamal Orekoya, a resident of Wole Cole Street, Ijesha.

However, despite efforts by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to clear waste from junctions, the problem persists. This is because residents often return to dump waste at these locations, after being cleared by LAWMA trucks.

Commenting, a resident of Otun-Oba, Mr. Franklin Obijiofor, noted that although PSP operators collect waste two to three times a week, the refuse often accumulates again.

“This situation leads to unpleasant odours and an influx of mosquitoes, making the environment uncomfortable for residents.” But Mrs. Raimot Adedeji, from the same area, disagreed, observing that the absence of regular PSP collection often lead residents to dispose of waste at street junctions, especially during early morning hours.

Mr. John Joseph, another resident, described dumping of resident on the road or its median as shameful and embarrassing, especially when hosting visitors. “The presence of waste also attracts mosquitoes, disturbing residents at night.”

He noted that while there were previous efforts to apprehend offenders, such initiatives seem to have ceased, contributing to the ongoing problem. Mr. Ayomide Ayinde, who lives along Lawanson Road, mentioned that the bills for PSP services are high, especially for households with few occupants.

He noted that when his waste bins are full, he sometimes resorts to hiring cart pushers for a small fee. However, with increasing charges, he argued that some residents placed their waste in the middle of the road, anticipating that PSP trucks will eventually collect it.

Mrs. Bukola Ogunmuyiwa, a resident of the same area, disclosed that most of those who disposed off their waste by placing in on the road or its median often do so in the early morning hours or late at night, as it is still dark and less likely to be noticed.