The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) on Wednesday issued notice of its intention to commence sealing of residents without waste bins on Lagos Island and Mainland, effect from Friday, 7th July 2023. The Head of Public Affairs, Folashade Kadiri, in a statement on Wednesday, explained that the announcement comes after the earlier issuance of abatement notices to those areas two months ago, urging property owners and residents to procure adequate waste bins for their homes.
She noted that LAWMA’s Executive Director of Finance, Kunle Adebiyi, had earlier disclosed the new policy in a statement, noting that sufficient notice had been given to tenements to procure the standard waste bins. The Director was cited to have said: “It is crucial for residents to cultivate proper environmental habits and support the efforts of the Authority to establish a cleaner and more livable environment. By taking action against violations and ensuring compliance, we can create a sustainable environment, and help build a city of our dream”.
Kunle Adebiyi further emphasised that the notice of intention to seal would serve as a final warning to residents who were yet to procure the bins and maintain proper waste management practices, adding that the enforcement action was aimed at encouraging responsible environmental behavior and to reduce pollution in the city.
The Director declared: “LAWMA’s Enforcement Team will target areas on Lagos Mainland and Island, where violations have been observed.
“The team will carry out thorough inspections to identify individuals, households, or businesses, that have consistently neglected waste management guidelines. Those found in violation will receive an intention to seal notice, outlining the specific actions required to rectify the situation and avoid further penalties.
“The exercise will be in phases, this is the phase one, and we will visit other areas in the state to ensure full compliance.”
The executive director urged residents to take responsibility for maintaining a clean and healthy environment for all, noting that, by adhering to waste management regulations, residents could contribute to the overall cleanliness and sustainability of the environment.
He stated that “by adhering to government’s directive for tenements to procure standard covered bins, would ensure that our wastes are properly containerised. This will help save the environment from indiscriminate waste disposal and other hazardous consequences, such as flooding and outbreak of diseases.”