World Cleanup Day: LAWMA Tackles Marine Waste… calls for residents’ involvement in cleanup activities

PRESS RELEASE

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has scaled up operational activities to tackle the challenge of marine waste along the Lagos coastline, in commemoration of this year’s World Cleanup Day, with the theme: “Arctic Cities and Marine Litter”.

To this end, it has intensified efforts to rid water bodies in the state of waste debris, through the deployment of marine waste operatives, to mitigate the environmental and health hazards posed by marine litter along the coastline.

According to the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Lagos with a thriving coastal ecosystem, faces significant challenge of indiscriminate dumping of waste into its rivers, canals, and lagoons, leading to growing accumulation of marine litter, threatening the state’s rich biodiversity and human health.

He said, “We are deeply concerned about the rising level of waste that finds its way into our waterways. Marine pollution is not only a local issue, but also a global challenge, especially for cities along the coast like Lagos. LAWMA is committed to ensuring that we rid our water bodies of the litter that endangers both human and marine life”.

Gbadegesin stated that LAWMA had spearheaded an initiative aimed at combating marine waste, with the agency’s Marine Waste department, playing a pivotal role in clearing waste from Lagos waterways using specialised boats and equipment, with the efforts further supported by community sensitisation programs, to educate residents on proper waste disposal and recycling, particularly in coastal areas.

“Our Marine Waste Unit has recorded tremendous success, removing tons of waste from our waterways. But this challenge requires collective responsibility. We urge residents, especially those living in coastal and riverine communities, to be more responsible in waste management. Every piece of litter that ends up in the water poses a serious threat to our environment”, he added.

The LAWMA boss said that, as part of activities for this year’s World Clean-up Day, the Authority organised clean-up campaigns across waterfronts in the state, urging the populace to show a sense of responsibility in the quest to preserve aquatic and human lives in the metropolis.

He said further that the Authority would embark on motorised advocacy in the coming days, in Lekki and Ajah axis, to sensitise residents on the dangers inherent in dumping waste indiscriminately, especially in water bodies.

“World Cleanup Day is an opportunity for everyone to take direct action. Our waterways are a vital part of Lagos’ identity, and it’s our collective duty to protect them. I urge all residents to join us in cleaning up the city, not just because its world cleanup day but we should make it a habit. It’s not just about today; it’s about instilling long-term habits that prevent waste from reaching our water bodies”, Gbadegesin stressed.

For waste management related issues and complaints, please call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617, or visit www.lawma.gov.ng.

Kadiri Folashade (Mrs.)
Director, Public Affairs
20/09/2024

September 27, 2024 Events No comments yet

Press Release : LAWMA BOSS ADVOCATES FOR ‘ADOPT A STREET’ INITIATIVE …Encourages Private Organizations to Embrace Corporate Social Responsibility through Community Sanitation

The Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has called on private organizations and residents to adopt streets and communities as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to enhance environmental cleanliness across Lagos State.

Dr. Gbadegesin who spoke on both Lagos Television’s “The Conversation” and Channels TV’s “Sunrise” programs emphasised the importance of community involvement in maintaining sanitation, urging businesses and individuals to play a more active role in the cleanliness of their immediate environments.

“Adopting a street or community is an excellent way for organizations to contribute meaningfully to the city’s cleanliness efforts. It goes beyond just placing bins; it’s about taking responsibility for the cleanliness and maintenance of entire neighborhoods. This initiative will also serve as a strong CSR strategy, benefiting both the environment and the organizations involved,” Dr. Gbadegesin explained.

Speaking further, he linked the recent cholera outbreak to poor environmental practices such as open defecation and illegal waste disposal, stressing that these could be mitigated through sustained community sanitation efforts. He added, “Sanitation should be a daily habit, ingrained in our culture, and this is what we should be teaching our children.”

Commenting on the on-going community clean-up campaign by LAWMA and the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, he stated that, “What we are doing right now is sensitisation, and yes, the monthly sanitation exercise is coming back. We are going from community to community, engaging with local stakeholders, and addressing residents’ challenges.”

The LAWMA boss said that the Authority was moving on with the “Adopt a Bin” program, aimed at encouraging households to containerise their waste effectively.

“The new LAWMA smart bins are revolutionising household waste management. We aim for every home to have its own bin, making it easier for residents to properly contain their waste. To make this accessible, we have introduced a 24-month installment plan. What sets these bins apart is their smart technology: “Each bin is equipped with an RFID tag and geolocation capabilities. This allows us to track when bins are empty, ensuring efficient service from our operators,” he stressed

Gbadegesin also highlighted the state government’s collaboration with the private sector to enhance waste disposal facilities, including a memorandum of understanding with Jospong Group to build material recovery facilities and modern landfills in Lagos, adding that LAWMA was also working with local government authorities to establish community recycling centers, to provide residents with dedicated spaces to dispose of recyclables and receive incentives.

On LAWMA Academy, he said, “We are teaching the next generation about the value of recycling and the importance of maintaining a clean environment. Currently, we have an on-going summer school that will last for a month, and in the next few months, we are going to open a portal for online classes with certification on the LAWMA Academy website.”

He reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to improving the welfare of street sweepers, adding that the agency was implementing health insurance and skill development programs for its sweepers.


Folashade Kadiri (Mrs.)
Director, Public Affairs
13th August, 2024

August 13, 2024 News No comments yet

Press Release – LASG EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD SANITATION PRACTICES ……..As the weekly sanitation Advocacy Campaign train moves to Bariga LCDA.

The Lagos State Government on Sunday emphasized the importance of good sanitation practices amongst all residents in order to ensure a clean, flood free, safe  and sustainable environment across the state.

The emphasis was made  by the  Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab during the Weekly Community Based Environmental Sanitation Advocacy campaign held at Omobokun Street, Ekimogun Underbridge Iyana Oworo, Bariga Local Council Development Area adding that all residents must make good sanitation practices a daily affair.

He said the Weekly Community Based Environmental Sanitation Advocacy campaign was introduced to promote good sanitation practices amongst residents before the formal commencement of the monthly Sanitation Exercise.

“What we are trying to do is to ramp up sensitization and advocacy before the formal commencement of the monthly environmental Sanitation which will soon be announced by the Governor,” he said.

He mentioned that some houses in the area have been investigated and  were found to  have channelled their septic tanks into the drainages  and some have built their fences on the drainage channels adding that these houses will soon be sealed by the appropriate Agency.

He implored residents to support Government effort through regular cleaning of the drainages in front of their houses and desist from the unwholesome act of illegal waste disposal saying it is expedient for everyone to take ownership of all infrastructure provided by the government.

On the issue of flooding experienced in the area, Wahab said government will reassess the claims by the community members that  the sandfilling carried out at Oworo end is responsible for the flooding incidents encountered in the Ekimogun area, adding that  government  is determined to proffer a lasting solution to flooding in the area.

He maintained that the environmental advocacy campaign has been effective as the communities earlier visited at the commencement of
the advocacy programme  have been revisited and these communities have sustained the clean up and the communities are cleaner and healthier.

Wahab encouraged residents to embrace Good Environmental Habits  stressing that this would reduce the burden on the health sector and ensure the effects are positive  on the infrastructure provided by government.

The Chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area, Honourable Kolade Alabi while speaking, said that Governor Sanwo-Olu commissioned the Ekimogun Road but it was disheartening that the road is in a sorry state because of the unsanitary attitude of residents.

“We the residents of Bariga must therefore stop littering our roads and canals with wastes, we must bag our wastes in our respective homes and always patronise the PSP” he said.

He said the government is determined to ensure the Environment is always Clean and as such every house in Bariga must own a bin which would be made available by the government at a reasonable amount.

The Managing Director Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) informed that  Bariga Local Government has been identified as one of the Local Council Development Areas that will accommodate a recycling facility adding that the Waste to Wealth  facility will reduce illegal waste disposal in the area.

He enjoined all residents to collaborate with the government to ensure that Lagos is free of garbage saying that waste bins will soon be made available to tenements in Bariga.

In her response, the Senior Special Assistant on Environmental Health, Bariga Local Government, Hon. Suliat Oguns pledged the support of people of the Bariga Community saying the community residents would ensure that waste is properly disposed and infrastructure provided by the State Government will be effectively utilised.

August 13, 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

Children’s Day: LAWMA Boss Tasks Parents on Recycling Education for Kids

As the world commemorates Children’s Day, Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has tasked parents on early teaching of waste sorting and recycling to their children and wards, to build a sustainable environment for the future.

He said this at the agency’s headquarters, Ijora-Olopa, as LAWMA celebrated with children, featuring a series of educational activities and games designed to engage children and raise awareness on environmental sustainability.

Gbadegesin highlighted the significance of instilling proper waste management habits in the younger generation, stressing that parents had an important role to play in educating their children about recycling and waste sorting, noting that early education on these topics was essential for fostering environmentally responsible citizens.

He said, “Teaching our children about recycling and proper waste management is required for the future of our environment. As parents, it is our responsibility to ensure that they understand the impact of their actions on the planet. By incorporating these lessons into their daily lives, we can nurture a generation that is conscious of their environmental footprint and committed to sustainable practices.”

The LAWMA boss stated that the Authority’s commitment to environmental education extended beyond Children’s Day, as the agency had been actively involved in numerous initiatives aimed at promoting waste management education in schools and communities across Lagos State, which included school outreach programs and community clean-up campaigns.

“As an organisation, LAWMA is dedicated to creating a cleaner and healthier Lagos. Our efforts in promoting waste management education are part of our broader mission to foster a culture of environmental responsibility. We believe that by educating our children, we are laying the foundation for a greener future”, he noted.

In her goodwill message, Director of Environmental Education Unit, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Mrs. Monsurat Banire, represented by Mrs Olufunke Olaleye, commended the Authority for investing in children, noting that children were the greatest investment.

She said: “When we involve children in anything we do, we are assured of a better and sustainable future.  The Ministry of Environment knows the value of environmental education and that is why we have the unit to raise you all as environmental ambassadors, who will preserve our planet. I celebrate you all and I wish you a wonderful celebration “.

Also speaking, the head of LAWMA Academy Training and Development, Mrs. Bola Adewumi, noted that the Authority was committed to raising children to become ambassadors of sustainable environmental practices, urging the children to maintain a positive attitude to the environment, to make it people-friendly.

Other LAWMA Management staff who gave their good will messages were: Director, Public Affairs, Mrs. Kadiri Folashade;  Deputy Director, Special Duties, Mr. Oluwakemi Sulaimon; Director of Admin and HR, Ms. Ranti Dosunmu; Deputy Director, Commercial Services, Mrs. Abimbola Opayemi; Deputy Director Medical Services, Health and Safety, Dr. Modupe Okoh; Deputy Director , Waste Management Research, Policy and Development, Dr. Essien Nsuabia; Deputy Director, Circular Economy, Mrs. Jirinsola Okubanjo; Head Customer Care and Corporate Engagement Unit, Mrs. Aramide Olaniyan, among others

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

27/05/2024

June 5, 2024 Events No comments yet

Rainy Season: LAWMA Completes Rehabilitation of Olusosun Dumpsite

…calls for responsible waste disposal

As the rains approach, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has completed the rehabilitation of Olusosun dumpsite, to ensure smooth waste disposal operations across the state.

Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, who made this known in a statement on Thursday, said the maintenance effort was aimed at improving operational efficiency in anticipation of the rainy season.

He said, “Our primary objective in rehabilitating Olusosun dumpsite is to ensure that waste disposal trucks can navigate through the dumpsite seamlessly, even in adverse weather conditions, especially during heavy rainfall when logistical challenges tend to arise”.

Dr. Gbadegesin stated that, in addition to the recently completed maintenance efforts, LAWMA was focused on enhancing operational efficiency to improve turnaround times for waste disposal trucks, adding that the rehabilitation would significantly reduce queue times, translating to faster and more effective waste collection services.

“Our commitment to environmental sustainability extends beyond operational enhancements. We urge residents to join us in prioritising responsible waste disposal practices to safeguard our environment”, he stressed.

The LAWMA boss further highlighted the importance of proper waste disposal, urging residents to avoid dumping waste in drains, especially during the rainy season, known for disrupting the drainage system and posing serious environmental risks to lives and properties.

“We encourage residents to patronise accredited Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators for their waste disposal needs. By supporting licensed operators, individuals contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment for all”, he reiterated.

The Managing Director emphasised the importance of residents familiarising themselves with their PSPs, who play a vital role in waste management at the local level, adding that, by understanding and engaging with their designated PSP operators, residents could ensure efficient and effective waste disposal services in their communities.

“We are committed to facilitating this process by publishing detailed PSP contacts for all areas in the state. This initiative aims to empower residents to take ownership of waste management practices in their neighborhoods, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment for all”, he assured.

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

02/05/2024

May 10, 2024 News No comments yet

LAWMA Serves 343 Contravention Notices on  Construction Sites

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), has served 343 contravention notices on construction sites at various locations around the state in the last one year.

Commissioner for The Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this at on-going ministerial press briefing to mark one year of the second term of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu Administration, in Alausa, Ikeja.

He said the notices were served on them for not complying with the construction waste regulation procedure supervised by LAWMA.

Wahab added that 354 new introductions notices were issued to construction firms within the same period while enforcement was carried out on 10 recalcitrant sites.

According to him, “LAWMA in the last one year has served no less than 343 contravention notices on construction firms at various locations in the state, for not complying with the rules and regulations governing construction waste management. It is the responsibility of the Construction Demolition and Disaster Waste Department of LAWMA, to work with construction firms, for smooth evacuation of waste generated by them. But some of them are not playing by the rules, hence the notices”.

Speaking further, he said the agency identified 103 black spots around the state, which LAWMA at various times mobilised its operations men to clear.

He said, “It is a sad commentary that despite  persistent public awareness, warnings and actual enforcements, some residents still refuse to patronise assigned PSP operators, preferring to dump waste in canals, on road medians and other illegal points. This habit must stop”.

The commissioner also disclosed that LAWMA, through the Ministry of The Environment and Water Resources, had signed an MoU with the State Government and Jospong Group, on waste treatment solutions.

He noted that the MoU entailed identifying existing landfill sites, for proper re-engineering of solid waste management system, to generate employment.

Still on the activities of LAWMA in the last one year, he intimated that the agency had worked with United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA), to identify locations for the installation of plastic recycling facilities, adding that the move was aimed at mass removal of plastic items from the environment, and for job creation.

He stated further, that the  Marine Unit of LAWMA, had additional 5 rafters within the last one year, to aid the collection of on-shore and off-shore waste.

On markets in the state, he noted that LAWMA had a year round stakeholders engagement, considerably improving hygiene practices, waste containerisation and evacuation among others. 

Wahab reminded residents who indulge in defacing the environment, that LAWMA, within the time under review, apprehended and prosecuted about 1,100 defaulters, a majority of whom were sentenced to hours of community service or fined various sums of money.

He contended that to sustain the current momentum of achievements by the agency, stakeholders engagement, public enlightenment must continue on all media platforms, sending messages on efficient waste management best practices to all strata of society.

The commissioner commended LAWMA Academy for continuously expanding its reach of pupils for waste management education, which  averaged 1,400 pupils in eight primary schools across the state.

Wahab lauded LAWMA for prioritising 24-hour response time to complaints, urging residents to shun reckless waste disposal at unauthorised locations, to avoid harsh environmental consequences as the rains approach.

Folashade Kadiri                 

Director, Public Affairs,

LAWMA                         

6th May 2024

May 8, 2024 News No comments yet