LAWMA will step up waste management, recycling efforts in 2024 – Gbadegesin

The Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has assured residents of the state, that the Authority would intensify efforts at entrenching effective waste management across the state in 2024.

Dr. Gbadegesin, who gave the assurance on Lagos Traffic Radio on Friday, noted that last year witnessed a determined approach to environmental transformation in Lagos State, spearheaded by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, with LAWMA playing a major role.

According to him, “2023 was an eventful year concerning the environment and waste management. The Lagos State Government was able to do a reset. Among the notable initiatives to restore sanity to the environment was the clearance of illegal dumpsites, street trading and closure of unsanitary markets, a collaborative effort with the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC)”.

With an eye on sustainability, the LAWMA boss outlined the agency’s vision for 2024, with a focus on recycling, especially plastic recycling and converting organic waste into compost and biogas, adding that the Authority would continue to promote waste sorting at source, as well as the buyback programme, where residents could make money from recyclables.

On the issue of illegal street trading, the MD/CEO revealed LAWMA’s plan to collaborate with local governments to enforce the zero-tolerance policy, adding that the agency would continue to enforce environmental laws, urging residents to resolve in the new year to be responsible environmental stewards.

“This year, there will be no room for illegal street trading and all activities that promote indiscriminate waste disposal. We will be working closely with local government authorities and other stakeholders on this. I want to personally urge residents to turn a new leaf this year and take good care of their environment, health and hygiene”, he said.

He also said the state government had a plan to empower PSP operators to acquire new trucks to support their operations across the metropolis, urging residents to shun indiscriminate waste dumping, secure covered bins for waste under the Adopt a Bin initiative and a flexible payment plan while awaiting assigned PSP operators.

For waste management-related issues, call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA, 07080601020 and 617.