The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has launched a special intervention to clear accumulated waste in the Ayobo-Ipaja axis, particularly around Megida, while stepping up enforcement against illegal dumping.
The intervention followed concerns over indiscriminate disposal of waste on road medians and other unauthorised locations in the area.
Speaking on Friday, LAWMA Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said operational teams had been deployed to evacuate the waste, while enforcement personnel were addressing activities responsible for the recurring accumulation.
Gbadegesin said routine monitoring showed that illegal trading, including markets operating on road medians, and residents’ failure to patronise assigned Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators were major factors driving indiscriminate dumping.
“We are working here right now to clear the accumulated waste and restore the affected areas to acceptable environmental standards,” he said.
“Clearing the waste is only one part of the intervention; we must also prevent redumping and ensure that residents use the approved waste collection channels.”
The LAWMA boss disclosed that two tricycles, popularly known as Keke Marwa, had been apprehended for allegedly transporting waste from the community to road medians.
He warned that the Authority would not allow unauthorised waste collectors to undermine the formal waste management system.
Gbadegesin urged residents, traders and businesses in the Ayobo-Ipaja area to patronise their assigned PSP operators and desist from dumping waste on road medians, roadsides and other unauthorised locations.
He said LAWMA would complement waste evacuation with enforcement, improved collection arrangements and sustained monitoring to prevent the return of illegal dumping hotspots.
Gbadegesin also warned against obstruction of LAWMA personnel, stressing that environmental enforcement was a statutory responsibility.
“We will not tolerate any interference with our efforts to clean the city and protect the environment,” he said.
READ ALSO: Alimosho General Hospital Takes Preventive Healthcare to Ikotun Market
Talba Urges FG to Harmonise Renewable Energy Policies, Curb Substandard Equipment
“Anyone who obstructs, assaults or interferes with LAWMA personnel in the lawful discharge of their duties will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
He reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to restore environmental order across Lagos and ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for residents.
About The Author
