Residents of Lagos have expressed frustration over the irregular collection of waste across the state, which is hindering their efforts to maintain clean surroundings. Despite participating in environmental sanitation exercises, many residents say they are struggling to keep their neighborhoods clean due to the lack of regular waste collection. Some residents have taken to cleaning their surroundings and clearing drainage channels, but the accumulation of waste remains a major challenge.
In an interview with NAN, Mrs. Mary Akingboye, a resident of Maiyegun Oro Street, Amukoko, said she cleans her surroundings twice a week and participates in monthly sanitation exercises. However, she identified waste accumulation as a major challenge, saying some residents keep waste in front of their compounds for more than a week before it is evacuated. Akingboye called for closer monitoring of sanitation activities and greater encouragement for residents to maintain cleaner surroundings.
Other residents, such as Mrs. Aliyah Kazeem, a trader on Maiyegun Oro Street, also expressed concerns about the lack of participation from some residents in sanitation exercises. Kazeem called for closer monitoring during sanitation exercises to encourage residents to participate more actively. Meanwhile, Mr. Ibrahim Babatunde, another resident, identified inadequate drainage as a major sanitation challenge and called for regular clearing of existing channels.
At Okerube, Ikotun, residents also expressed frustration over the difficulty of disposing of refuse. A resident, Mummy Joy, said waste collection was irregular, and informal collectors sometimes charged between N1,500 and N2,000 to evacuate refuse. Joy urged the government to provide more waste operators to ensure timely evacuation of refuse. Mrs. Adeyinka Adewunmi, a trader on Akanbi Street, Okerube, said environmental sanitation had helped residents clear their surroundings, but irregular waste collection remained a challenge.
The irregular waste collection has led some residents to rely on informal collectors, who often charge high fees. Mrs. Success Monday, another resident of Akanbi Street, said refuse dumped along the main road had become a major sanitation concern. Monday said irregular waste evacuation forced residents to engage alternative collectors to prevent refuse from accumulating on the roads.
NAN observed limited participation in the exercise at Okerube, with some cleaning activities carried out by domestic workers and paid cleaners. The residents called for greater commitment from authorities to improve sanitation monitoring, public awareness, and regular waste evacuation. They also urged the government to address roads affected by rainfall to improve conditions for residents.
The residents' concerns highlight the need for improved sanitation infrastructure and services in Lagos. Key stakeholders must work together to address the challenges of irregular waste collection, inadequate drainage, and limited public awareness. By doing so, residents can be empowered to maintain cleaner surroundings and improve overall sanitation in the state.
Key points
- Irregular waste collection is a major challenge to sanitation efforts in Lagos.
- Residents are frustrated by the lack of regular waste collection and are calling for greater commitment from authorities.
- Improved sanitation infrastructure and services are needed to address the challenges facing Lagos residents.
