By Rasheeda Hamidu
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has assured residents that waste collection across the state will improve within six to eight months through additional trucks and strengthened collaboration with local governments.
Speaking on Saturday during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Badagry, LAWMA Managing Director, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said measures were underway to improve waste collection services.
Gbadegesin dismissed claims that local governments were taking over LAWMA’s waste management responsibilities, describing the councils as partners supporting the agency’s operations.
He said each local government was acquiring two compactor trucks while the Lagos State Government was procuring additional trucks to strengthen waste collection capacity.
Gbadegesin attributed recent collection challenges to flooding around the Olusosun dumpsite, which made the access road difficult for refuse trucks.
He said another section of the dumpsite would be reopened to trucks by Tuesday, expressing confidence that residents would notice improvements before the end of the week.
According to Gbadegesin, only about 30 to 40 per cent of Private Sector Participant operators were affected, with many already disposing waste at satellite sites in Epe, Ikorodu and Badagry.
He urged residents to store refuse properly, pay PSP operators promptly, avoid dumping waste on roadsides and report service lapses through LAWMA’s customer service channels.
Also speaking, the Lagos APC deputy governorship candidate, Princess Damilola James, called on residents to embrace regular environmental sanitation, saying clean surroundings help prevent blocked drains and reduce flooding during the rainy season.
NatureNews reports that efficient waste collection and proper disposal remain essential to reducing flood risks, protecting public health and promoting sustainable urban environmental management.
