Group carpets LASG on resurgence of indiscriminate waste disposal

A civil society organisation-Joint Action for Good Governance JAGG has upbraided the Lagos State government on the resurgence of indiscriminate dumping of refuse around the Lagos metropolis, citing its hazardous consequences and negative health implications for Lagosians.

In a statement jointly signed by the group’s Vice President Abdulwaheed Odunuga aand the General Secretary Adekunle Aderibigbe, the evident laxities on the parts of the government’s agency saddled with maintenance of clean environment was captured, while demanding a prompt attention to ensuring restoration of sanity.

The statement reads, “Joint Action for Good Governance writes with grave concern regarding the escalating refuse management crisis across Lagos State and the associated public health, environmental, socio-economic, and governance implications.

“We demand urgent, coordinated, and effective action consistent with the constitutional and statutory duties of the Lagos State Government and its agencies.”

According to the group the accumulation of refuse heaps across densely populated areas, major and minor roads, streets, bus stops, and residential neighbourhoods; including Surulere, Ikorodu, Alimosho, Kosofe, Mushin, Agege, Itire, and Oshodi are creating persistent sanitation hazards.

“Residents have articulated intensifying fears of an impending health crisis, citing smells from decomposing waste, blocked drains, proliferation of disease vectors (flies, rodents, mosquitoes), and heightened risk of water-borne illnesses such as *cholera, typhoid, and other infectious diseases.”

The group however, cited the ugly return of the already outlawed cart pushers-illegal waste collectors, inconsistent service provision and the attendant rising charges of PSP operators, the debilitating effect of the seemingly dysfunctional system on the environmental health and the poor viewpoint it portends for the state on the global mapping.

JAGG also proffers solution for the state government to ensure an holistic approach is deployed to tackle the clear environmental menace and help restore sanity that befits the mega city status of Lagos state.

“Strengthen Enforcement of Sanitation Laws, Implement robust enforcement against illegal waste dumping and unlicensed operators. Enforce existing penalties under the Lagos Sanitation and Environmental Law without delay.

“Ensure Consistent Public Waste Collection. Supervise PSP operators rigorously to ensure compliance with service standards and regular schedules.

“Monitor performance with transparent key performance indicators and community feedback mechanisms.

“Enforce the ban on illegal cart pushers while formulating pathways for their formalisation and capacity building within the regulated waste ecosystem.

“Deploy additional official waste bins, compactor trucks, skip bins, and transfer stations in underserved areas. Strengthen drainage clearing and mapping to prevent blockages and flood risks.

“ Launch an extensive, targeted sanitation awareness campaign across schools, markets, community centres, and public transport hubs. Introduce transparent reporting channels for residents to report uncollected waste and sanitation violations.

“Publish regular status reports on waste collection metrics, enforcement actions, and planned interventions. Establish a public dashboard for Lagos residents to monitor service delivery and lodge complaints.

“We further recommend the creation of a High-Level Waste Management Task Force comprising representatives from the Office of the Governor, LAWMA, Ministry of Environment & Water Resources, Local Government Areas, community leaders, private sector partners, and civil society organisations. This Task Force should have a clear mandate, timelines, and accountability framework.

“The waste management crisis undermines public health, environmental sustainability, and Lagos’ global competitiveness. It demands immediate, coordinated, and transparent action.” JAGG reiterates.