PUNCH report spurs LAWMA to establish waste police unit

Responding to public outcry over persistent refuse accumulation, the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has announced the formation of a "waste police" initiative. This coordinated effort aims to bolster environmental compliance and deter illegal dumping across the state.

Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, stated that the new unit involves key stakeholders, including transport unions and community groups. This collaboration is intended to strengthen enforcement against indiscriminate waste disposal and other environmental infractions, a move that comes weeks after residents in areas like Ikotun, Idimu, Ejigbo, and Egbeda decried the unsightly accumulation of refuse along streets.

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The government had intensified enforcement against indiscriminate waste disposal and other environmental infractions, while recently constituting a coordinated waste police initiative involving key stakeholders, including transport unions and community groups, to strengthen environmental compliance and discourage illegal dumping.

LAWMA is also actively exploring inter-state collaboration to enhance waste disposal infrastructure and improve operational flexibility. This initiative seeks to support more efficient waste evacuation throughout Lagos State. Gbadegesin acknowledged existing operational challenges, particularly those affecting waste evacuation in certain parts of the city, and assured residents that comprehensive measures are being implemented.

These measures include immediate, medium-term, and long-term solutions to improve service delivery. Recent operational pressures have been partly attributed to difficulties accessing disposal facilities, especially during the peak rainy season. As a stop-gap measure, LAWMA has optimized the use of Transfer Loading Stations across the state to facilitate quicker waste evacuation from communities. Additionally, LAWMA's waste-to-wealth partner, ZoomLion Nigeria Limited, has begun rehabilitating and reopening Road E at the Olusosun facility, a crucial step expected to improve access, reduce turnaround times, and boost overall operational efficiency at the site.

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The government was also exploring inter-state collaboration to complement existing waste disposal infrastructure, improve operational flexibility, and support more efficient waste evacuation across Lagos State.