LAWMA to begin rehabilitation of all landfills in Lagos

By Flourish Alonge

The MD/CEO, Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA), Mr. Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni has disclosed plans by the state government to commence the full rehabilitation of all landfills in the state.

Odumboni disclosed this at a meeting between PSP operators, management team of LAWMA, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment, held at the Olusosun dumpsite, Ojota, on Thursday.

Addressing the PSP operators, under the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria {AWAM), Odumboni said all arrangements and plans have been concluded to begin the rehabilitation exercise. He said despite the persistent rainfall, the exercise will not be hindered.

He stressed that to better serve the people of Lagos State, it is necessary to ensure that proper structures are put in place to meet the growing demand of the people.

“The rehabilitation exercise as we know is a routine exercise and the rain is not an excuse for us. We have to ensure Lagos is well serviced and there will be no excuse for incompetence.

“His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has given us a zero-waste mandate and we have a duty to carry it out. We have been doing it and the Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has been very supportive. We have gotten new trucks and approval for another round of rehabilitation has been secured so we must deliver.

“So I especially want to appeal to our PSPs to put in the work as required. The rains are here and we must do all we can to significantly reduce or if possible completely eliminate the problem of flooding caused by the indiscriminate dumping of refuse.

“I must also appeal to the residents and business owners to stop patronizing cart pushers and patronize the PSP operators assigned to their locality. We have started the clampdown on cart pushers and the enforcement exercise is still ongoing.

“Over 900 carts have been arrested and out of which 400 have been destroyed. The others are going to be destroyed soon. So please residents, join hands with the government, and let’s put an end to the waste menace in the society,” Odumboni said

Addressing the operational issues raised by the operators, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Mr. Omobolaji Gaji, encouraged the waste managers to be patient as regards their demands and complaints.

He assured them that all of their issues are currently being looked into and sooner than they expect, positive feedback will be communicated.

Notwithstanding, Gaji commended the PSP’s for their dedication to the service of Lagos State.

He noted further that despite the serious logistics challenges faced by PSP operators, as a result of the present economic tides, they have continued to provide services to tenements.

He stated that the government will take every opportunity to encourage them by meeting their demands.