The enforcement unit of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has launched an operation to dislodge scavengers and miscreants from illegal dumpsites across neighbourhoods in the state, for a cleaner and healthier environment.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Ibrahim Odumboni, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, on Thursday in Lagos.
Odumboni said that the authority, in the past few days, had been patrolling neighbourhoods notorious for indiscriminate refuse dumping and presence of scavengers who searched through waste piles.
“Activities of scavengers and miscreants not only deface our cities but also pose serious health hazards to residents.
“It is disheartening to see some individuals engaging in indiscriminate disposal because they do not want to pay for waste services.
“This behaviour undermines the efforts of LAWMA and hampers our progress towards maintaining a clean and healthy environment,” Odumboni said.
He said that during the enforcement operations, the LAWMA team apprehended individuals engaging in indiscriminate waste disposal at various locations in Ipaja, Ikate-Surulere and Ikeja.
He said that no fewer than 30 people were arrested, adding that they would be prosecuted.
He expressed concern at Lagos residents’ increasing disregard for proper waste management practices, including prompt payment for waste services.
“To achieve a cleaner and healthier city, it is crucial for residents to play their part in waste management.
“LAWMA, through Private Sector Participant (PSP) operators, is working relentlessly to ensure efficient waste collection services, and we urge residents to take advantage of these services.
“By properly sorting and disposing waste, we can establish a better quality of life for everyone,” he said.
Odumboni added that LAWMA had embarked on awareness campaigns alongside the enforcement operations to educate the residents on the importance of proper waste management.
He said that the advocacy drive included community engagements, door-to-door visits and distribution of educational materials for enlightenment on waste segregation and responsible disposal.