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Worried by the rising rate of illegal dumpsites across the state, especially in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of the state, the Managing Director of Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, has declared emergency on refuse dumpsites around FESTAC Town.
LAWMA MD, who also decried poor environmental hygiene of the residents, vowed to direct energy and resources to the clearing of several illegal dumpsites around FESTAC Town and its environs, saying most residents in axis have a nonchalant approach towards waste management and environmental care.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting with residents and various interest groups on LAWMA’s community on clean-up campaign held at the council secretariat, FESTAC Town, Odumboni assured readents of total clearance of the heaps of refuse within a couple of weeks. He stressed that the situation could not continue like that for a community once known as the cleanest in the state.
He said: “There are no fewer than 42 dumpsites in Amuwo-Odofin. This place is extremely dirty. You are only concerned about cleaning your houses, while the waste is deposited outside, littering the environment; causing diseases and sickness to others.
“It is about time you stop giving excuses and do the right thing. I want to let you know that enforcement is going to be beefed up in the next three weeks, we will apprehend any environmental defaulter engaging in indiscriminate dumping and cart pushing business”.
The LAWMA boss called in the residents to mobilise the youths and empower them to police the black spots within the community in order check illegal waste disposal.
He said: “You need to mobilize your youths and empower them to police the black spots within the community. Invite the youths and have a bye-law to back their operation. LAWMA will support you by training them. Get them uniform for identification and let them arrest outlawed cart pushers. It is high time we do the right thing by taking responsibility for our waste. Patronize PSPs and pay for waste service. Waste bill payment is sacrosanct.”
He urged the council to work with residents to engage youths in the area to police the black spots to end the reign of illegal dumpsites, insisting that it would bring local solution to the perennial problem.
Odumboni advised the council officials and residents to consider the idea of voluntary monthly environmental sanitation, as recently endorsed by Shomolu Local Government, for total transformation.
On his part, the Amuwo-Odofin Chairman, Dr. (Engr.) Valentine Buraimon commended LAWMA for spirited effort at transforming the cityscape, as noticeable around the metropolis, adding that his council would do the needful, to help the agency return FESTAC Town and the entire Amuwo-Odofin, to the old glory of beauty, neatness and sustainable environment.
Also speaking, the Iyaloja of Omotanwa Market, FESTAC Town, Alhaja Atinuke Shittu, passionately appealed to market people and residents, to sort their waste for recycling, to reduce the volume of waste meant for landfills and to make money.
The Secretary-General of FESTAC Town Residents Association, Mr. Justice Unanka, advised the PSP operators to change their tactics and business approach, to earn revenue more easily from residents.
