The Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has appealed to residents to be patient with the government over delays in refuse evacuation across the state. She assured that the government was working on a new strategy to address the challenges confronting waste management in the state. This appeal was made while monitoring the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in the Mafoluku area of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area.
Residents of Mafoluku had expressed concerns about delays by Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators in evacuating waste, as well as increases in waste collection charges. Dr. Sanwo-Olu attributed part of the delay to operational challenges faced by waste operators at dumpsites. She explained that the turnaround time for trucks to dump dirt at the dumpsite takes a long time, often up to two or three days.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Sanwo-Olu commended Mafoluku residents for bagging their refuse instead of dumping it beside drainage channels. However, she called for improved waste separation at source, noting that recyclable materials were still being mixed with wet and dry waste. This, she emphasized, was crucial for effective waste management.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu also commended schoolchildren’s participation in the sanitation exercise, saying the initiative would help instil environmental consciousness in them from an early age. She assessed the impact of the exercise six months after its commencement, noting that while the state had yet to attain the desired level of cleanliness, public awareness was improving.
The Lagos State government plans to introduce competitions and awards for the cleanest communities as part of efforts to sustain the initiative. This was disclosed by Dr. Sanwo-Olu, who expressed optimism that the awareness created by the exercise would lead to a cleaner and healthier environment.
Other officials, including the Lagos State Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, also monitored the exercise and encouraged residents to take ownership of the initiative. They emphasized the importance of waste separation at source and the potential for recyclable materials to generate income.
The monthly environmental sanitation exercise, which began six months ago, has seen increased public participation, with residents taking steps to clean their surroundings. The government’s efforts, coupled with residents’ cooperation, are expected to lead to significant improvements in waste management and environmental cleanliness in Lagos State.
Key points
- Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu appeals for patience over delays in refuse evacuation.
- The government is working on a new strategy to address waste management challenges.
- Residents are encouraged to practice waste separation at source to improve waste management.
