In a move towards environmental sustainability, the Lagos State Government has revealed an ambitious plan to establish Material Recovery Facility (MRF) centres across the 57 local councils to encourage waste sorting at source, for incentives.
There is also the arrangement of building additional transfer loading stations, 17 more to make up 20, which will serve each local council.
The state’s Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) Managing Director, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, told The Guardian that the state is also looking into assisting the Private Sector Partnership (PSP) operators for recapitalisation. “The authority is totally committed to implementing effective waste management solutions that align with global best practices,” he said.
Gbadegesin also revealed the state government’s overarching plan for all dumpsites, which involves a comprehensive waste management strategy. This includes closing outdated dumpsites, which will go through the process of decommissioning, investing in modern waste disposal technologies, and promoting recycling and sustainability.
He stated that the goal is to create a cleaner and healthier environment for residents while addressing the challenge of attitude, particularly for those who still see waste services as a social service and do not want to pay, as well as have bins for the management of their waste.
Gbadegesin said the Olusosun dumpsite has undergone a series of assessments and evaluations to determine its environmental impact and the feasibility of its closure, adding that these studies are essential for making informed decisions regarding waste management.
Regarding the plan to close the dumpsite, he said the authority is actively pursuing the long-term goal of decommissioning Olusosun dumpsite, saying the process is in top gear.
“However, it’s important to note that such actions require thorough planning and consideration of alternative waste management strategies to ensure a smooth transition.
“The state is also planning a sanitary landfill site under a PPP arrangement, as well as partnering states like Ogun on waste management,” Gbadegesin.
He said recent developments in waste management include a focus on enforcing effective sanitation across markets in the state, improving recycling infrastructure, waste-to-energy initiatives, school sanitation and community engagement programmes to promote responsible waste disposal.
The state is also promoting a circular economy, where people can see the economic value of waste and take advantage of it.
