At clean-up operation, LAWMA MD promises to clamp down on filthy communities

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has conducted a comprehensive clean-up exercise at Itedo Community, Lekki Local Council Development Area, in partnership with Lekki Peninsula Environment Community, Crusader Sterling Pensions and Itedo Community Development  Association, promising to clamp down on filthy communities and residents.

The clean-up exercise is in continuation of LAWMA’s efforts to clear black spots across communities in the state.

Commenting on the exercise, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegeshin, condemned the unhygienic habits of some residents, who indulge in reckless waste disposal in unauthorised locations, promising to wield the big stick  on such erring individuals and areas, adding that the agency would stop at nothing, to achieve a clean and sustainable Lagos environment.

According to him, “Today, we hearken to the call of the people of Lekki Peninsula Estate residents, who deemed it fit to call our attention to inappropriate waste disposal practices in this area. It is a deep clean-up of gutters, corridors and median. First, we will address the issue of illegal occupants who operate businesses here; they will be relocated into the community. Nobody will invest in a filthy environment. We are using this opportunity to appeal to the people of Lagos, to embrace the right attitude to the environment for a healthy life. LAWMA will never condone filthy habits at homes and public spaces and will stop at nothing to achieve a clean and sustainable environment.”

Gbadegeshin said further that the Authority was open to collaborations with stakeholders on environmental issues, to complement the Authority’s effort.

“We are ready for partnership opportunities. Waste management in Lagos has always been driven by private sector participation. The state cannot do it alone. Residents and citizens own the state. We want you to support this initiative and stop littering the environment. This exercise will continue for three days and LAWMA will keep monitoring for enhanced result,’’ he stressed.

 The chairman of the Environment Committee, Lekki Peninsula Community, Mr.Yomi Idowu, noted that the committee became worried, about the heap of refuse deposited by recalcitrant residents and traders on a daily basis, necessitating the call for LAWMA’s intervention.

He said “Our environment should be in a clean and hygienic condition always, if we want to be free from diseases and sickness. Indiscriminate waste dumping around this community is alarming and we felt this cannot continue. Most of the residents are in support of this clean up and they have been participating. We will ensure there is proper sensitization after this exercise”.

On his part, the executive director of Crusader Sterling Pensions, Mr. Olufemi Dada, appreciated the Authority for the partnership, noting that the LAWMA helmsman has demonstrated the agency’s vision, through a proactive delivery, following proper planning and execution with his team.

While thanking the Authority for its prompt response, the chairman of Itedo Community Development Association, Mr. Rapheal Oroiale, promised that the community would employ community police, to man the area and ensure defaulters were apprehended and prosecuted.

Also present at the clean-up exercise were LAWMA operations team, advocacy team, special duties, enforcement team, street sweepers, market waste team, marine waste team and celebrity artiste, Bankole Wellington, among others.