Uthman Salami
The Lagos State Government will now arrest and prosecute residents caught dumping refuse on roads or medians, PUNCH Metro learnt on Wednesday.
The state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced this via his X.com handle on Wednesday in response to a resident’s complaint, questioning what the state was doing to address the issue of refuse dumping along roadsides.
An X.com user named @BayoObidient raised a concern, stating, “Some residents in Lagos have made it a habit to dump refuse on the roadside at night, fully aware that LAWMA will collect it the following day.
“It has become a habit over the years, and they no longer even use LAWMA services. What steps will the government take to address this issue?”
Other residents quickly filled the comment section on the microblogging site, sharing their experiences and calling on the state government to devise a plan to end the issue.
“They mainly do this along the route from Second Rainbow Street to Cele Ijesha, where a lot of refuse is dumped on the roadside,” BolajiOyepoju wrote.
@agm_1172 wrote, “Driving out as early as 4:30/5 am around Igando Road, you will see people coming out of their homes to drop their dirt on the median, expecting LAWMA to pick them up.”
“The most annoying one is that part where people indiscriminately dump refuse on the street and walk away. I have personally confronted about three different people (about dumping refuse on the roadside). There should be a task force to randomly arrest offenders,” said @ade-baderin.
@Suavelanre added, “This same question (on dumping refuse on roadsides) applies to major roads and streets in Lagos, from Ojuelegba to Lawanson, including the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.”
In response to @BayoObidient, the commissioner stated that the state government, through LAWMA, was already monitoring the situation to ensure that offenders were held accountable to the full extent of the law.
He said, “LAWMA’s Monitoring Team is actively working to apprehend and prosecute individuals caught dumping refuse on roads or medians, whether during the day or night. Advocacy efforts are ongoing to highlight the health risks and environmental damage caused by indiscriminate waste disposal.”
Wahab further emphasised that the ministry is committed to ensuring that all blocked drainage systems are cleared year-round, despite any opposition from the public.
“The ministry remains committed to maintaining clean drainage systems throughout the year. The Emergency Flood Abatement Gang continues to clear drainage channels during rainy and dry seasons. All obstructions will be removed to ensure a free flow of stormwater, regardless of public sentiment or opposition,” he added.
The commissioner also revealed that the state government was working on reintroducing the suspended monthly environmental sanitation, with an official announcement from the governor anticipated in the coming months.
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