Dare Babalola
Lagos State has announced plans to unlock the economic potential of its waste management sector through a comprehensive revamp of its Transfer Loading Stations and Material Recovery Facilities, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, promoting recycling, and fostering a circular economy.
The development was announced by Mukaila Sanusi, the Director Public Affairs of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), in a statement on Wednesday.
Sanusi quoted the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin to have made the comment while speaking on “Your View,” a discussion programme aired on TVC.
He attributed the state’s waste management challenges partly to infrastructure gaps, saying a growing megacity like Lagos needs constant upgrades to its waste transfer and recovery systems.
According to him, the ongoing revamp of TLS and MRFs would enhance waste evacuation, increase material recovery, reduce pressure on disposal sites, and create opportunities for private sector participation across the waste management value chain.
Dr. Gbadegesin acknowledged the role of Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators, describing their work as difficult but essential to maintaining cleanliness across the State, adding that LAWMA was always there to provide back-up services wherever there was challenge.
He described illegal dumping as irresponsible waste disposal practice, often associated with informal settlements and unapproved locations, stressing that such practices posed risks to public health and the environment.
The LAWMA boss reiterated that residents were expected to properly bag their waste, register with accredited PSP operators, and pay for waste collection services to ensure effective service delivery.
He disclosed that LAWMA was piloting a waste-to-energy project at Ikosi-Ketu Market, where a biodigester is being used to convert organic waste into energy, demonstrating the benefits of a circular economy approach.
On enforcement, he emphasised that LAWMA would continue to maintain a firm stance on environmental infractions, intensifying efforts to prosecute offenders, while urging residents to avoid indiscriminate dumping and report any violations to the authorities.
