LAWMA embarks on night operations to clear backlog of waste

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has commenced the clearing of backlogs of wastes across the state.

LAWMA Spokesperson, Folashade Kadiri, confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

The statement said that the ongoing operation of clearing the backlog of wastes was carried out largely through massive night operations.

It said that the operations conducted between the hours of 10.00 p.m. and 4.00 a.m., were personally coordinated by the Managing Director of LAWMA, Mr Ibrahim Odumboni.

The statement said that the operation saw the clearance of waste indiscriminately dumped at some unauthorised locations within the state.

It explained that the scarcity of diesel and its exorbitant price had negatively affected the waste evacuation efforts of the Private Sector Participant (PSP) operators and the agency.

It mentioned some of the areas already covered by the operations as Mushin, Oshodi, Ejigbo, Lagos Mainland, Apapa axis, and Surulere.

Others included Lagos Island Ikoyi, Lekki axis, Victoria Island, and Ajah, among others.

The statement quoted Odumboni as saying that the agency had made great progress in clearing the backlog of wastes.

“Remember I said during the week, that we will capitalise on the cessation of rainfall and progress made on the rehabilitation of our landfills to clear the heaps of waste.

“The strategy has paid off as we have successfully cleared waste in most areas of our Lagos Central 1 and 2, as well as East 1 and 2 districts.

“We are happy at the pace of progress, and the operations will continue until all parts of Lagos are covered,” he said.

Odumboni appealed for support from residents to stem the tide of improper waste disposal, by bagging and containerising their waste.

He urged Lagos residents to patronise assigned PSP operators, adding that those caught in the act of reckless waste disposal would be made to face the law.

“We are appealing for cooperation from all residents to restore sanity back to our environment.

“Bagging and containerisation of waste, while waiting for evacuation by assigned PSP operators, remains an effective means of curbing indiscriminate waste disposal.

“Anyone caught dumping waste indiscriminately would be sanctioned accordingly,” Odumboni said.

He enjoined residents with complaints and inquiries on waste management-related issues in their areas, to please call LAWMA toll free lines- 07080601020 and 617 for prompt intervention.