Lagos State Urges Residents To Embrace Proper Waste Management For A Sustainable Environment.
The Lagos State Government has called on residents to adopt responsible waste management practices to ensure a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
Addressing Concerns Over Waste Management
Speaking during a television interview on the recent claims that Lagos is a “smelly city,” the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, dismissed the notion as a political ploy. He acknowledged that, like other major cities such as New York, Beijing, and London, certain areas in Lagos emit offensive odours, particularly around landfill sites like Olusosun in Ojota and Solous 3 in Igando.
“If you stay around or drive past Olusosun, Solous 3, or other landfills and perceive some offensive odours, does that mean the whole of Lagos is smelling? ‘Lagos is smelling’ is a political tool, and to set the record straight, Lagos is not smelling but evolving,” he asserted.
Innovative Waste-to-Wealth Initiatives
Wahab highlighted that Lagos generates between 13,000 and 14,000 tonnes of waste daily, necessitating creative solutions to manage and reduce the waste that ends up in landfill sites. He outlined several initiatives, including:
– Waste-to-Wealth Programme: Organic waste is converted into compost fertiliser, while plastic waste is recycled.
– Energy and Fuel Conversion: Between 4,000 and 5,000 tonnes of waste are converted into fuel for Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) buses, while another 2,500 tonnes are processed into energy.
– Industrial Utilisation: Lafarge Cement takes a significant portion of combustible waste to power its factories.
The commissioner noted that the long-term goal is to reduce landfill waste to less than 1,000 tonnes per day. As part of this strategy, the government is working towards decommissioning the Olusosun and Solous 3 dumpsites and promoting waste segregation.
Strengthening Waste Collection Systems
Wahab acknowledged that the state has involved private sector operators in waste collection, with the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) acting as the regulator. However, challenges persist, particularly with some homeowners attempting to evade waste collection fees and resorting to illegal disposal.
“If Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators are not efficient in your area, please call LAWMA. They are equipped with over 200 trucks to provide interim waste collection services and investigate the designated PSP operator,” he advised.
Enhancing Public Awareness and Enforcement
The commissioner emphasised the importance of continuous advocacy and enforcement, stating that the government has intensified public education campaigns in markets such as Idumota, Oyingbo, and Oke-Arin. Market traders were urged to dispose of waste properly and avoid obstructing drainage channels.
The government has also taken steps to address sanitation issues, including cleaning up areas like Berger on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and Oshodi, where open defecation was a major problem. Sanitation enforcement officers have been deployed to arrest offenders, while discussions with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) are ongoing to ensure the provision of functional public toilets at motor parks.
Wahab revealed that Lagos currently has 1,710 public toilets, with an additional 150 under construction. Moreover, all filling stations and eateries are required to grant access to their restroom facilities to curb open defecation.
Ensuring Potable Water Supply
On water provision, the commissioner reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering clean drinking water across the state. He disclosed that an ongoing project to lay water pipes from the Ogun River to Adiyan II is expected to supply an additional 70 million gallons of potable water daily, supplementing the existing 30 million gallons provided by the state’s waterworks.
Call for Public Cooperation
Wahab urged residents to collaborate with the government in maintaining a healthy environment, stressing that whistleblowing on environmental infractions is encouraged but should not be used to victimise individuals.
“I want to appeal to all residents to be friendly with nature and rest assured that the government will not drop the ball. We shall continually be responsive and responsible to you through the ministry and all our agencies,” he assured.
With these proactive measures, the Lagos State Government is reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability while working towards a cleaner and healthier city.
