LAWMA clears four-month-old refuse heaps after PUNCH report

The Lagos State Waste Management Authority has cleared refuse heaps that had remained on road medians along the Ejigbo-Idimu axis of Lagos State for about four months.

The heaps, which had accumulated on the median linking Ejigbo and Idimu, particularly around the Dorcas and Church bus stops, were evacuated following a report by PUNCH Metro highlighting residents’ concerns over the prolonged neglect.

Residents had lamented that the refuse had remained on the median since May despite repeated complaints to waste managers and relevant authorities.

A follow-up visit to the area on Wednesday showed that the heaps had been removed, leaving the affected sections of the median considerably cleaner.

Further along the axis, the stretch from OPC Junction to Idimu Bus Stop, where heaps of refuse had also been observed, had similarly been cleared.

Residents who spoke with our correspondent expressed relief over the development.

They also called for sustained and regular evacuation to prevent the waste from accumulating again.

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One of the residents, who identified himself simply as Sesan, said the clearance was commendable but urged the authorities to ensure that the area was not allowed to deteriorate again.

He said, “We are happy that the refuse has been cleared. It was becoming an embarrassment because the heaps had stayed there for months.

“But what is important now is for the authorities to ensure that the refuse does not accumulate again. Waste is generated every day, so there should be regular evacuation.”

Another resident who craved anonymity said the intervention had eased concerns among residents and commuters using the road.

He said, “We appreciate the fact that they have finally cleared the refuse. We had complained several times before the report was published, but nothing happened. We hope this will be sustained.”

The development comes about two weeks after the Managing Director of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, assured Lagos residents that the menace of refuse heaps across the metropolis would soon become a thing of the past following a fresh strategic intervention.