Christabel Ndoeche
The Lagos State Government has stated that the recent accumulation of waste in parts of the state is largely due to the ongoing decommissioning of the Olusosun landfill, which has necessitated a major shift in refuse disposal logistics.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, explained this in a statement posted on his official X handle on Monday, assuring residents that urgent steps were being taken to address the situation.
According to Wahab, waste previously taken to Olusosun is now being transported to alternative landfill sites in Epe and Badagry, a move that has increased turnaround time for some Private Sector Participation operators.
“The ongoing decommissioning of the Olusosun landfill has necessitated a significant shift in waste disposal logistics. Refuse previously destined for Olusosun is now being transported to alternative facilities in Epe and Badagry,” he said.
He noted that the longer haulage distances had placed temporary pressure on the waste evacuation system, leading to delays in some areas.
To contain the situation, Wahab said the Lagos Waste Management Authority had been directed to intervene when PSP operators were overwhelmed.
“LAWMA has been directed to provide immediate support in areas where PSP operators are overwhelmed. Intervention activities are actively ongoing, particularly at identified black spots across the state,” he stated.
The commissioner added that discussions were ongoing on the procurement and deployment of additional trucks to improve response time and enhance LAWMA’s capacity.
On enforcement, Wahab disclosed that the state had set up a special task force to tackle illegal roadside dumping and indiscriminate waste disposal.
“A dedicated Task Force has been established to specifically combat illegal roadside dumping and indiscriminate waste disposal caused mainly by illegal roadside trading,” he said, adding that the team would operate 24-hour surveillance and enforcement.
He urged residents to dispose of waste responsibly and patronise only approved PSP operators, while assuring that the government was addressing the challenges.
“While we take full responsibility for these inconveniences, let me assure all Lagosians that this administration is fully committed to the vision of a cleaner, more orderly, and sustainable city,” Wahab said.
PUNCH Online had earlier reported that the Lagos State Government had arrested three individuals for illegal disposal of refuse along the Ikotun–Igando Road median in the state.
According to Wahab, the arrests followed early morning operations conducted on Monday by the Lagos Waste Management Authority Waste Infractions Surveillance and Investigation Team, as part of ongoing efforts to address waste blackspots along the corridor.
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