The Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA says the high cost of diesel is hampering the waste evacuation operations of the agency

According to Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, managing director and chief executive officer of the Lagos State Garbage Management Authority (LAWMA), the agency’s waste evacuation activities are being hampered by the high price of diesel being experienced nationwide.

Speaking about LAWMA activities at its Iddo-Yard headquarters on Monday, Odumboni stressed that the organisation is still addressing environmental challenges being encountered throughout the State. He stated that practical efforts have already been initiated to solve the issue.

He said: “We have redoubled our efforts, working round the clock to ensure that we evacuate all waste around the city. The scarcity and high cost of diesel have been a major challenge, as all service providers’ trucks run on diesel. Nonetheless, we are doing the needful, to maintain a clean environment and prevent health hazards to the people”.

“The resurgence of waste observed in some areas of the metropolis is borne out of the unforeseen diesel challenges the service providers are experiencing, which is affecting their operations and the Authority is looking into helping them resolve it. Tenements that do not have waste containers in their houses have compounded the situation by dumping their waste on the highways”, the CEO added.

Throughout order to prevent the recurrence of rubbish on road medians, canals, and other illegal locations in the State, Odumboni emphasised the significance of homeowners having waste containers in their houses and pleaded for their assistance.

“We are assuring Lagosians of our total commitment to rid the environment of dirt. As we work day and night to make this happen, we urge you to support our efforts, as cleanliness of the State is a collective responsibility”, he stated.

He pleaded with all Lagos residents to only use the designated PSP operators in their neighbourhoods and to appropriately containerize their waste to reduce littering and extend storage times.

While the Authority ramps up efforts to eradicate cart pushing and all other types of improper waste disposal in the metropolis, Odumboni also disclosed that around 370 extra handcarts will be destroyed by the Authority.

He urged locals to contact LAWMA at the toll-free numbers 07080601020 and 617 with any questions or grievances pertaining to garbage management.