Press Release – Get Waste Bin for a Clean Environment – LAWMA boss tells Lagosians

Get Waste Bin for a Clean Environment – LAWMA boss tells Lagosians

…says smart bins will revolutionalise waste management in the state

The Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has charged Lagos residents to acquire waste bins for domestic storage of waste, to promote a clean home and sustainable environment.

He gave the charge at LAWMA headquarters, Ijora Olopa, on Tuesday, during the demonstration of evacuation of LAWMA smart bins, by waste evacuation trucks.

Gbadegesin stated  that the introduction of the smart bins in the state’s waste management system, was a game changer, as it would quicken the process of waste collection by assigned PSP operators.

He said, “The smart bin has added features that improves the functionality. For example, this smart bin has a RFID chain that will enable us to know when it is emptied by the PSP operators. With this bin, we are able to know if they are working, so that we can use that to monitor and assess their performance”. 

“The smart bin is geolocated to a specific residence. That means when you buy the smart bin, we deliver it to a house and pin it to that house. So forever, the bin is associated with that house. If it is stolen, we can track it, tell where the bin is, and monitor it remotely in our control room. The bins are not only smart but also durable. It has a 15-year warranty. So it gives comfort to every resident, and it’s good quality for money,” he added. 

He noted that the durability and ability to track the location of the bin, set it apart from the traditional waste bins, adding that the smart bins were colour coded, to encourage waste separation and recycling among residents.

“Getting this bin means you have now come into the new waste management system we are developing in the state. We have two types of bins: the green one for general waste and the blue for recycling. If you have the recycling bin, there is an opportunity for you to get incentives for the recyclables that you collect”, he enthused. 

“I urge every Lagosian to embrace this innovation. It’s 2024, and with Artificial intelligence and other innovations, Lagos can’t afford to be left behind. If you want to be part of the new Lagos, you need to get this smart bin. It will help us achieve our shared goal of keeping Lagos clean”, he stressed.

He appealed to the populace to imbibe the innovative initiatives introduced by the Authority to improve waste management in the state, urging them to shun indiscriminate dumping and engage the services of assigned PSP operators. 

For more information on LAWMA’s initiatives, please visit www.lawma.gov.ng or call our toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617.

Kadiri Folashade (Mrs.)
Director, Public Affairs
30/07/2024

July 31, 2024 News No comments yet

LAGOS MAY INTRODUCE SMART BINS TO COMBAT INDISCRIMINATE WASTE DISPOSAL …as Traditional chief, baba oja, more residents clamor for return of monthly sanitation exercise

As Lagos State Government intensifies its monthly sanitation awareness programme, it has hinted of plans to introduce smart waste bins for every tenement in the state.

This statement was made by the Special Adviser on Environment, Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu when he led other state officials during the ongoing weekly sanitation awareness and cleaning exercise held at Ajeromi Local Government adding that indiscriminate Waste disposal is a major contributor to prevalence of communicable diseases.

Akodu who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Mr. Gaji Omobolaji and Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services Engr Mahamood Adegbite said the issue of a cleaner environment is a serious issue that requires the collective effort of Government and the Citizens.

Akodu said the Smart Bin had become neccesary to monitor the activities of PSP operators as well as the refuse disposal rate of Lagosians, appealing to residents and market leaders in the area to make clean environment a priority as they go about their daily business activities.

The Special Adviser noted that it was unfortunate that Lagos State was one of the states where Cholera broke out, saying this is a result of persistent insanitary habits of some of the residents.

He reiterated that the team is embarking on the weekly exercise to encourage the citizenry to have a changed mindset and imbibe the culture of cleanliness towards the environment.

“We want to work more with the people and raise the bar on good sanitary practices; we are ramping up our advocacy and sensitization to achieve a positive change and ideology of the people” he said.

 He said the present Administration is deeply concerned about achieving a clean environment and wellbeing of the residents, but it is disheartening that most roads, road medians markets and motor parks across the metropolis were adorned with refuse dumped by residents who do not want to patronise PSP operators.

He added that from the stretch of Marine beach and Mobil Road towards  Ajegunle boundary to Alayabiagba market, the roadside and road median were filled with heaps of wastes adding that the corpse of a baby was found on the roadside during the exercise, saying that now is the time for everyone to desist from the unwholesome act against the environment.

He recalled that the Alayabiagba market was closed last year because of the insanitary habits of traders saying the market is gradually deviating from the standards set by government after it was reopened.

He stated that reports gathered from the weekly Community Sanitation Exercise / Advocacy campaign has revealed that majority of the people are yearning for the return of the Monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise across the state.

“We must therefore stop littering our market, and motor parks with wastes, we must bag our wastes in our respective market and homes and ensure we patronize PSP operators, stop creating illegal dumpsites on road medians, kerbs, open spaces, and road setbacks and start policing our environment”, he emphasized.

He appealed to the community leaders and market leaders present to educate the people on the dangers of dumping on the road median as was noticed along the stretch of Marine beach and Mobil Road in the axis.

The Managing Director, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin explained expatiated that the State Government would soon role out Smart Bins with notifications for all houses stressing that the chips attached to the bins would notify LAWMA when the PSP Operators fail to pick up wastes at the appropriate time.

He said safe, clean and sustainable environment is the function of all residents and not the government alone adding that everyone must make good sanitation practices a way of life and support the effort of the government.

In their responses, a cross section of the community leaders including the Baale, Babaloja of Ajeromi Ifelodun and CDC Chairman present all appealed to the State Government to reconsider the introduction of monthly sanitation exercise.

The clamored that in the very recent past most market and areas had waste police which prevented littering, adding more people need to be enlisted to become LAWMA policemen in our neighbourhoods.

The Special Adviser was also accompanied by the Managing Director LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin; General Manager LASPARK, Mrs. Toun Popoola; KAI Marshal, Major Olatunbosun Cole (Rtd); General Manager, LASWMO, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi and some Directors from the ministry.

The team visited Mobil Road/ Apapa / Ajeromi / Ajegunle boundary and Alayabiagba market.

July 29, 2024 News No comments yet

LAWMA ACADEMY INTERNS SENSITISE OTTO COMMUNITY

In continuation of the community sanitation and advocacy campaign recently kicked off by the state government, LAWMA Academy interns, the 34th set, also known as Team Eco Resilience, on Wednesday, sensitised residents of Otto Community, Lagos Mainland, on the the need to imbibe proper waste management.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, represented by the Executive Director, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, told residents to make personal hygiene and proper waste management, a way of life.

He said the task of ensuring a clean environment was not LAWMA’s alone, but a collective responsibility, adding that residents should get covered bins for disposal of their waste, to avoid the spread of diseases.

Gbadegesin also invited interested youths in Otto community, to register as interns at LAWMA Academy, noting that, “When graduate youths from the community register as interns, they can spread awareness about what they have learned. Various opportunities now exist in waste management. To benefit, we must open our eyes to the possibilities around us.”

In his response, the CDA chairman of Otto community and CDC chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Government, Saloko Muiz Babatunde, implored residents in the area, to join the weekly clean-up exercise, to be organised by the community, warning that those  who failed to join would be sanctioned.

Representative of the Oloto of Otto Community, Prince Fuhad Oloto and chief of staff to Oloto, Honourable Akeem Esuru-osho, pledged support for LAWMA and compliance with environmental regulations.

In a related development, traders of United Amu Market have taken it upon themselves to clean up their business premises, in response to last Sunday’s sanitation awareness effort at Alamutu Market, Idi-Oro, by officials of the Lagos State Government.

Reacting to this, LAWMA Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, commended the traders for their sense of responsibility towards their environment, urging other markets in the state to take a cue from that, and observe proper sanitation and hygiene around their business facilities.

“Achieving a clean and livable city of our dreams requires everyone to play their own part, we cannot afford to watch the beauty of the state erode due to indiscriminate refuse dumping and nonchalant attitude. The environment is ours to cherish and preserve. Let’s keep Lagos clean”, he said.

You would recall that some officials of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and LAWMA, including the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, last Sunday, visited Alamutu Market, Idi-Oro, Mushin, for a comprehensive community-based sanitation/ sensitisation exercise.

For more information on LAWMA’s initiatives, please visit www.lawma.gov.ng or call our toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617.

Kadiri Folashade (Mrs.)

Director, Public Affairs

24/07/2024

July 29, 2024 News No comments yet

OUR SANITATION ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN WILL CONTINUE UNTIL ALL RESIDENTS ARE CONVERTED – ENV. SPECIAL ADVISER

The Lagos State  Government  on Sunday reiterated its commitment to continue to take the sanitation advocacy Campaign for residents round the state until residents  imbibe the culture of good environmental sanitation and  hygienic practices.

Addressing Market traders / residents  at Alamutu Market, Idi – Oro Mushin during the community based Sanitation Exercise/ Sensitization, the Special Adviser on Environment,  Engr. Olakunle Rotimi – Akodu, said maintaining a clean environment is a must for all residents to keep all types of disease at bay.

Akodu who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Omobolaji Gaji and Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr Mahamood Adegbite and Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin had earlier engaged in cleaning the drainage on Agege Motor Road by desilting it, while a waste truck carted it away.

He explained that the clean up exercise is a follow up to the Mr Governor’s pronouncement on Community  based Sanitation, saying  the environment must be clean and food handling process must be also  hygienic to ensure socio -economic wellbeing of all residents.

While addressing traders at Alamatu market on the state of the environment, Akodu reminded them that the market was shut down late last year as a result  of the unsanitary habits advising the traders  to clean the market  and environs and the heaps of refuse immediately while desisting from street trading.

“As we all know that all forms of diseases are  spread through contaminated water and food that are results of unhygienic and poor sanitation practices such as open defecation, poor waste management and poor personal hygiene amongst others. As such our Sanitation Exercise should be an everyday practice and not only on thursdays” he said. 

He said the community  sanitation / Advocacy is a continuous exercise that will move across  the 57 LGs / LCDAs as well as public spaces,  markets amongst  others with the aim of sustainable good sanitation practices amongst the people.

He said the state is embarking on this advocacy campaign to ensure that the citizens voluntarily continue with the culture adding that if there is no positive change Government may consider a reintroduction of the monthly environmental sanitation exercises.

The Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji, whilst also speaking, said the exercise was to create awareness among the residents on the importance of sanitation practices as a veritable means of controlling and preventing communicable diseases.

“If we deal with the environment properly, the environment will also treat us right and our life span will surely be increased” he said.

He charged all residents to take charge of their environment by cleaning it always and ensuring they blow the whistle when their neighbours engage in unsanitary behaviours as the government cannot be everywhere.

The Managing Director, LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegeshin noted that part of the essence of the exercise is to ensure that every house in Lagos own a waste bin and residents should always patronise the PSP operators and not the cart pushers

He said if all residents keep their environment clean always and bear in mind the importance of good sanitation practices in the state, the exercise would improve the economic  activities across the metropolis.

Areas visited include Agege Motor Road; Alamatu Market, Idi – Oro; Labinjo Street; Adeyanju Street and Makinde Street  all in Mushin Local Government Area.

July 29, 2024 News No comments yet

Commissioner Unveils Waste Management Plans at Event

…Govt to build waste-to-energy plants at Olusosun, Epe and Badagry

The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, has unveiled plans to radically improve the waste management system in the state, at a Waste to Energy Summit themed, “Driving Environmental Sustainability”.

The event, organised by Rack Centre in partnership with the NYSC Community Development Service (CDS), at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, brought together key stakeholders to discuss sustainable solutions to waste management challenges.

In his keynote address, Wahab, who was represented by the Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, emphasised the need for proper dumpsite management to mitigate environmental hazards.

“When Olusosun was established, it was actually on the outskirts, but development caught up with it. There’s a lot of pressure on solid waste management, which is why we are working on reducing the amount of waste dumped on the Olusosun landfill through recycling initiatives,” he explained.

He further outlined LAWMA’s strategic plans to transform waste management in the state, by focusing more on recycling, introducing various initiatives such as development of compost and biogas plants, to reduce the volume of waste going to landfills.

“We are working on developing composting and biogas plants on the site. The future state is that we are going to decommission the Olusosun landfill; we are already in the process. Decommissioning the dumpsite is necessary to address long-term environmental and health impacts. In doing this, we are going to comply with international best practices”, he stressed.

Dr. Gbadegesin also announced plans to establish waste-to-energy plants across the state, “Waste-to-energy plants will be established at the Epe dumpsite. The plan is to have three waste-to-energy plants in the state at Badagry, Epe, and Olusosun. We are exploring other alternatives to be used as landfills since we are working on shutting down the Olusosun landfill.”

Dolapo Olaoluwa, the convener of the summit and a serving corps member, said he envisioned a gathering of key stakeholders to discuss solutions to the challenges posed by the Olusosun dumpsite and other waste management issues, as a way of contributing meaningfully to the community where he was serving.

Mr. Adetayo Odusole, Head Sustainability Coordination, Rack Centre, expressed their enthusiasm for sponsoring the event, noting that Rack Centre was pleased to support the initiative as it aligned with their goals of achieving a sustainable environment in the state, emphasising that achieving this required a collective effort.

Other speakers at the summit included: Ezekiel Egboye, Founding Executive and Chief Operating Officer, Rack Centre; Jide Onakoya, Chief Operating Officer, Elektron; Professor Emmanuel O. Ogolo, Professor of Atmospheric Physics (represented); Dr. Victor Abimbola Onifade,  senior lecturer of Urban and Regional Planning; Olaide Ayodele-Taiwo; Assistant Chief Scientific Officer at the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA); and Yetunde Baderinwa, NYSC State Coordinator, Lagos State.

High point of the event was a panel discussion, where the stakeholders and experts discussed sustainable solutions to waste management challenges in the state.

Kadiri Folashade (Mrs.)

Director, Public Affairs

18/07/2024

July 18, 2024 Events, News No comments yet

Cholera Outbreak: LAWMA Boss Tasks Residents on Personal, Domestic Hygiene

The Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has called on residents to observe the best personal and domestic hygiene, as well as proper waste management practices, to curb the spread of rampaging cholera.

He gave the advice in his office, Ijora Olopa, against the recent outbreak of the disease, which has claimed some lives, leaving many hospitalised.

Cholera, a severe diarrheal illness caused by infection with the bacterium vibrio cholerae, spreads primarily through contaminated water and food, thriving rapidly in unsanitary conditions. 

He said, “The outbreak of cholera in the state is a serious public health concern. It is imperative that every resident takes proactive measures to prevent further spread of the disease. Ensuring proper personal and domestic hygiene, including efficient waste management, will go a long way in curbing the spread of the fatal disease”.

The LAWMA boss suggested several precautionary measures including: proper waste disposal; ensuring safe drinking water; frequent hand-washing with soap; food safety practices and use of proper sanitation facilities among others.

He admonished residents to shun indiscriminate refuse dumping and to imbibe the practice of bagging and disposing of their waste using covered bins, to prevent the spread of diseases by vectors, and to ensure seamless evacuation by assigned PSP operators.

Gbadegesin said the Authority would continue to intensify efforts at making sure that waste generated across the state was promptly and efficiently managed, with service providers working around the clock to clean up black spots. 

He further appealed to residents to always wash their hands when they come in contact with waste, either while bagging or putting in covered bins, urging them to align with the state government’s environmental and health safety policies, by avoiding reckless waste dumping in drains, road medians, among other negative environmental practices. 

“We are fully committed to the health and safety of every Lagosian. Our teams are on the ground, ensuring that waste is properly collected and disposed of to minimise health risks. However, we need the cooperation of all residents to maintain a clean and safe environment,” he stressed.

It would be recalled that the agency had over the years championed the campaign on the importance of waste bagging and proper containarisation, through various programmes and initiatives.

For more information about LAWMA’s initiatives and how to support efforts to maintain a clean environment, please visit www.lawma.gov.ng or call our toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617.

Kadiri Folashade (Mrs.)

Director, Public Affairs

19/06/2024

July 2, 2024 Events No comments yet

Id el Kabir: LAWMA Advocates Proper Waste Management

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has urged residents to properly bag and dispose of their waste, especially animal waste, during and after this year’s Id el Kabir celebrations.

Managing Director/CEO of the agency, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has noted that comprehensive measures were being implemented to ensure a clean and hygienic environment during the festivities, with service providers working assiduously.

He said, “We have put in place a robust system to manage waste effectively during Id el Kabir. Our goal is to ensure that the celebration is enjoyed in a clean and safe environment. We are working tirelessly to ensure this”.

Gbadegesin reiterated LAWMA’s commitment to addressing improper waste disposal practices that could lead to environmental degradation, encouraging residents to engage only assigned PSP operators and avoid cart pushers, whose activities undermined the Authority’s efforts.

“We urge residents to cooperate with us by bagging and containerising waste generated during and after this period, for seamless evacuation by PSP operators. Cart pushers often dispose of waste indiscriminately, causing environmental harm. We cannot condone their activities, to keep the city clean and safe”, he noted.

The LAWMA boss also admonished residents to shun dumping waste on road medians, canals, uncompleted buildings, and other unauthorised locations, adding that the Authority would provide back-up services for PSP operators, in areas with service gaps, to ensure effective waste management.

He admonished motorists to drive cautiously during the festive period, to safeguard the lives of sanitation workers who would be performing their duties on the streets and major roads across the city.

While wishing all residents a happy celebration, he urged them to contact LAWMA’s toll-free lines at 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617, for prompt assistance.

Kadiri Folashade (Mrs.)

Director, Public Affairs

15/06/2024

July 2, 2024 Events No comments yet

LAWMA ACADEMY COMMENCES JULY INTERNSHIP

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), has welcomed new graduate interns to the July edition of its internship program, aimed at promoting waste management education among the younger generation.

Managing Director and CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, speaking about the program, emphasised the importance of engaging young minds in the business of creating a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Lagos environment, especially as the state tackles cholera outbreak.

He said, “Our internship program is designed to equip the younger generation with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective waste management and environmental preservation. At LAWMA, we believe education is key to achieving our aim of entrenching proper waste management as a lifestyle”.

Dr. Gbadegesin noted that the hands-on experience provided by LAWMA would enable the interns to understand the complexities and challenges of waste management operations, adding that the training would help them become environmental stewards, positively influencing others.

“Our interns will be exposed to various aspects of LAWMA’s operations, from waste collection and disposal to recycling and public education campaigns. With these, they will gain practical insights and develop innovative solutions to waste management issues”, he stated.

The Director of LAWMA Academy, Training and Development, Mrs. Bola Adewunmi, who welcomed the new set of graduate interns, briefed them on the nature of the four-week program, which included theoretical lessons, practical sessions, and field visits, for exposure to the fundamentals of waste management and diverse LAWMA operations.

In a related development, the academy has extended its environmental cleanliness education drive to schools in Agege and Ajeromi Ifelodun local government areas, teaching the pupils, basic waste management practices, recycling, fostering a positive relationship with the environment, and the negative impact of banned Styrofoam packs.

For more information about LAWMA’s initiatives and how to support efforts to maintain a clean environment, please visit www.lawma.gov.ng or call our toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617.

Kadiri Folashade (Mrs.)

Director, Public Affairs

02/07/2024

July 2, 2024 Events No comments yet