The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has appealed to residents to adopt waste reduction, sorting, and responsible disposal practices as disposal facilities across Lagos State face increasing operational pressure due to heavy rainfall and challenging terrain conditions.
Operational Challenges from Rainfall
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, stated that persistent rainfall and heightened waste evacuation activities have placed considerable strain on disposal infrastructure. This has affected truck movement, turnaround time, and operational efficiency at several landfill and disposal sites throughout the state. He noted that the situation has also disrupted evacuation logistics for Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators and sanitation personnel who are working under difficult weather conditions to maintain waste management operations statewide.
Stakeholder Engagement and Measures
Gbadegesin explained that the Authority is actively engaging relevant stakeholders and implementing operational measures to improve accessibility, stabilize disposal operations, and reduce pressure on critical waste infrastructure during the rainy season. He urged residents to support these interventions by minimizing waste generation, properly bagging waste, and adopting waste-sorting practices that promote recycling and resource recovery.
Benefits of Source Sorting
He elaborated that sorting waste at source, especially separating recyclable and organic materials, would significantly alleviate pressure on disposal facilities while aiding the state's transition toward a circular economy and sustainable waste management system.
Commitment to Sanitation
The LAWMA chief assured residents that the Authority remains dedicated to sustaining environmental sanitation across Lagos through continuous collaboration with PSP operators, operational reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and strategic interventions aimed at strengthening the resilience of the waste management system. He also commended PSP operators, drivers, sanitation workers, and operational personnel for their resilience and unwavering commitment to service delivery despite prevailing challenges.
LAWMA appealed to residents for understanding and cooperation, assuring them that concerted efforts are ongoing to maintain effective waste evacuation operations and cleaner communities across the state.
