Lagos Clamps Down On Scavengers, Miscreants At Dumpsites
The Lagos State Government has gone after scavengers and miscreants at some dumpsites in the metropolis. The exercise is being carried out by the enforcement Unit of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).
The agency has launched a robust operation to dislodge scavengers and miscreants from illegal dumpsites across neighbourhoods in the city, for a cleaner and healthier environment.
In the past few days, the LAWMA enforcement team has been routinely patrolling neighbourhoods across the State, notorious for illegal refuse dumping and the presence of scavengers, rummaging through waste piles, contributing to littering and unsightly landscapes and public spaces.
Commenting, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni expressed concern over residents’ increasing disregard for proper waste management practices, stressing the importance of prompt payment for waste services, and the negative consequences of indiscriminate disposal.
He said, “The 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”.
During the enforcement operations, the LAWMA team dismantled shanties and illegal structures and apprehended individuals caught engaging in indiscriminate waste disposal at various locations in Ipaja, Ikate, Surulere and Ikeja.
The LAWMA boss stressed the need for residents to take responsibility for their waste and participate actively in proper waste management practices, urging them to utilise the services of PSP operators, to ensure scheduled collection of their waste, as well as take advantage of various waste recycling initiatives introduced by the authority.
“To achieve a cleaner and healthier city, it is crucial for residents to play their part in waste management. LAWMA, through PSP operators, is working relentlessly to ensure efficient waste collection services. We urge residents to take advantage of these services by properly sorting and disposing of waste to establish a better quality of life for everyone”, he stressed.
Odumboni stated further that LAWMA had continued to embark on awareness campaigns alongside the enforcement operations, to educate residents on the importance of proper waste management, adding that the advocacy drive included community engagements, door-to-door visits and the distribution of educational materials, for enlightenment on waste segregation and responsible disposal.
He called on residents to support the efforts of the Authority, by adhering to waste management guidelines, adding that, with concerted efforts of the agency and active participation of residents, the state would witness a significant improvement in waste management, resulting in a cleaner and healthier environment for all
