LAWMA Keeps Lagos Clean Amid Festive Waste Surge
Kehinde Adeleye
The operations of Lagos State dumpsites recorded an unprecedented average of 576 trips per day during the recent festive period, underscoring the surge in waste generation and the scale of intervention by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).
Findings revealed that LAWMA intensified waste management activities across the state to ensure a clean, healthy and welcoming environment for residents and visitors during the celebrations, following a sharp increase in refuse generation.
Available information showed that the agency’s commitment was reflected in the massive deployment of resources, operational optimisation and the round-the-clock dedication of its workforce throughout the festive season.
According to an official of the Authority, LAWMA scaled up operations across all 11 operational regions, covering the 3 Senatorial Districts of Lagos State, to ensure comprehensive service delivery.
“The Authority deployed 94 out of its 102 waste collection trucks, complemented by hired trucks from Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators with excess chassis,” the official said.
“Collectively, these resources enabled an average of 576 daily trips to dumpsites, with operations running continuously throughout the festive period. This ensured that waste evacuation kept pace with the increased waste generation associated with the festivities.”
Observations also indicated effective bin management and improved service reliability by LAWMA, as bin locations were promptly attended to, preventing environmental nuisance.
Regular lifting of waste prevented bin overflow, while filled bins were swiftly replaced through bin interchange, ensuring that refuse did not accumulate before chassis returned from the dumpsites. This proactive approach reinforced public confidence in LAWMA’s capacity to manage waste during peak periods.
Beyond routine waste evacuation, LAWMA also supported major cultural activities across the state. During the recently concluded Eyo Festival, the Authority carried out extensive pre-event, on-site and post-event sanitation.
Streets and roads within the Lagos Island and Central Business District (CBD) hinterland were thoroughly cleaned, presenting a befitting image for the internationally recognised cultural event and reinforcing Lagos’ status as a centre of culture and tourism.
Speaking on the operations, the Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said access to landfill sites was significantly improved during the period.
According to him, operational efficiency was enhanced at the Olusosun landfill, where interventions reduced truck turnaround time at the tipping face.
“This improvement enabled faster waste evacuation, minimised delays and enhanced the overall effectiveness of festive operations,” Gbadegesin said.
He added that the success of the operations was driven by the dedication of LAWMA staff, who worked continuously on December 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28, ensuring environmental cleanliness before, during and after the celebrations.
“This commitment aligns with the Authority’s mandate to safeguard public health and promote environmental sustainability,” he stated.
Gbadegesin stressed that LAWMA’s festive operations demonstrated a coordinated and comprehensive approach to waste management.
“Through optimised logistics, effective bin management, improved landfill access and support for major cultural events, LAWMA ensured Lagos remained clean, orderly and welcoming during one of the busiest periods of the year.
“These efforts reaffirm the Authority’s role in sustaining the image of Lagos as a thriving megacity,” he added.
