By George George Idowu
The Managing Director/CEO of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesine, has assured lagosians that efforts will be made to step up effective waste management and recycling in 2024.
He gave the assurance Friday evening while he was briefing newsmen in Lagos.
Gbadegesin explained that 2023 witnessed a robust approach to environmental transformation in Lagos state, spearheaded by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, with LAWMA playing a major role.
The CEO said 2023 was an eventful year concerning the environment and waste management in the state.
According to him “The Lagos state government was able to do a reset.
“Among the notable initiatives to restore sanity to the environment was the clearance of illegal dump sites, street trading and closure of unsanitary markets, a collaborative effort with the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC),” Gbadegesin added.
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He subsequently noted that in line with the sustainability agenda of the state government, the authority would focus on recycling, especially plastic recycling, and converting organic waste into compost and biogas in 2024.
According to Dr Muyiwa, the authority would continue to promote waste sorting at source, as well as the buyback programme, where residents could make money from recyclables.
He also highlighted LAWMA planned initiatives to collaborate with local government areas to enforce the state’s zero-tolerance policy on street trading.
He said the agency would continue to enforce environmental laws, urging residents to resolve in the new year to be responsible environmental stewards.
“This year, there will be no room for illegal street trading and all activities that promote indiscriminate waste disposal.
“We will be working closely with local government authorities and other stakeholders on this. I want to personally urge residents to turn a new leaf this year and take good care of their environment, health, and hygiene,” he pleaded.
He said the state government had a plan to empower waste disposal operators to acquire new trucks to support their operations across the metropolis.
He further urged residents to shun indiscriminate waste dumping and secure covered bins for waste under the Adopt-a-Bin initiative and a flexible payment plan while awaiting assigned PSP operators.
