By Abdullahi Lukman
Residents of the Igbogbo-Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Ikorodu, Lagos State, have voiced growing concern over the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the area, particularly in the Offin and Oreta communities.
They complained that waste is frequently dumped in drainage channels, road junctions, and even uncompleted buildings, creating serious environmental and health risks.
They blamed the situation on poor waste collection services and a lack of enforcement by local authorities.
Speaking to reporters, Mrs. Aminat Kareem, a trader on Oreta Road, said Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) trucks rarely visit the area, and when they do, it’s often at inconvenient times.
“People have no choice but to dump waste in the open because they can’t store it for days,” she lamented.
Community youth leader Mr. Seyi Adewale called for stricter monitoring and the establishment of local enforcement teams to penalize offenders. “Dumping usually happens at night when no one is watching.
We need to make examples of violators,” he said.
The residents urged the LCDA to provide more waste bins, improve waste collection logistics, and launch consistent public sensitization campaigns on proper waste disposal.
Responding to the concerns, Mrs. Dupe Ogunlola, an Environmental Officer in the council, acknowledged the challenges and said steps are being taken to improve collection services, especially in underserved areas like Offin and Oreta.
“We are partnering with LAWMA and PSP operators to address the gap,” she stated, adding that residents also have a role to play in maintaining clean surroundings.
Environmental health advocate Mr. Kayode Aina recommended the formation of community sanitation committees and encouraged residents to report illegal dumpsites.
“Cleanliness is a shared responsibility. Holding each other accountable is key to lasting change,” he said.
