By: Peter Emmanuel |
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has engaged host communities of the Ewu-Elepe Landfill in Ikorodu, including residents of Elepe and Elenuwa, to address concerns over the operation of the facility and strengthen collaboration with stakeholders.
The engagement, led by the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, took place at Ewu-Elepe on Sunday and provided an opportunity for residents to raise concerns about the landfill, access roads and activities of waste trucks in the area.
Gbadegesin said the meeting was a follow-up to issues raised by the host communities and demonstrated LAWMA’s commitment to responding to concerns affecting residents around its facilities.
He said the Authority would work with the communities and other stakeholders to address the issues while improving waste management operations at the landfill.
The meeting was attended by executives of the Community Development Associations, residents, waste managers, recyclers, waste pickers, PSP operators and LAWMA officials.
LAWMA Addresses Community Concerns
Representatives of the host communities commended LAWMA for creating an avenue for dialogue and presented concerns about the condition of the landfill infrastructure and the access roads serving the facility and surrounding communities.
They also raised concerns about the activities of waste trucks, which they said had contributed to pressure on the roads and affected conditions within the host communities.
Gbadegesin said LAWMA had listened to the concerns and would work with relevant stakeholders to address them systematically.
“We have listened to your concerns and are committed to addressing them systematically,” he said, adding that the Authority would take steps to improve conditions around the facility.
He said the planned interventions would improve the operation of the landfill, ease truck movement and reduce the time spent by waste trucks accessing the facility.
Road, Landfill Rehabilitation Planned
Gbadegesin said the access roads to the landfill were slated for permanent construction, while palliative works would be carried out to provide immediate relief to residents and other road users.
He added that rehabilitation of the Ewu-Elepe Landfill would commence as soon as weather conditions permit.
According to him, the rehabilitation would improve the operational condition of the facility and enhance waste disposal activities.
He said improved access to the landfill would also ease the movement of waste trucks and reduce the pressure placed on roads in the surrounding communities.
The LAWMA boss also said the Lagos State Government was exploring partnerships to promote sustainable waste management through circular-economy initiatives, including waste-to-energy, waste-to-wealth and organic waste composting.
Joint Task Force Set Up to Strengthen Oversight
To ensure that the issues raised by the communities are properly followed up, LAWMA directed the constitution of a joint Task Force and Technical Committee.
The committees will comprise representatives of the host communities, LAWMA, PSP operators and other relevant stakeholders.
They will monitor the proposed road construction and palliative works and address environmental and operational infractions linked to waste truck activities.
The committees will also work with stakeholders to strengthen security and improve environmental conditions in the host communities.
LAWMA reaffirmed its commitment to continued engagement with host communities and other stakeholders, saying collaboration and dialogue were necessary to improve waste management operations and protect the well-being and environment of communities around its facilities.
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