LAWMA secures cleared dumping hotspots

The Lagos Waste Management Authority has deployed enforcement operatives to the Eric Moore Road axis of Surulere to avert a return of waste in the area.

The latest operation comes a few days after the authority sealed premises along Ago Palace Way over persistent illegal dumping and arrested 11 persons for unauthorised waste disposal on Lagos Island.

In a statement on Sunday, LAWMA said its Waste, Investigation, Surveillance and Enforcement operatives were deployed to Eric Moore Road over the weekend to “secure grounds already covered” and prevent indiscriminate dumping at identified black spots.

The authority said the operation was aimed at securing areas already cleared, deterring further illegal disposal and ensuring that the road and its surroundings remained free of environmental nuisance.

It urged residents to dispose of their waste through approved channels and avoid dumping on roads and other unauthorised locations.

The latest deployment followed an enforcement operation in which LAWMA sealed plazas, hotels, lounges and warehouses along Ago Palace Way that it said were contributing to waste build-up and environmental nuisance around road setbacks, medians and other unauthorised public spaces.

The authority also arrested 11 persons during separate enforcement operations in Tinubu, Apongbon, Oke-Arin and CMC areas of Lagos Island for alleged unauthorised handling and illegal disposal of waste.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the operations reflected the authority’s determination to enforce waste management regulations and ensure compliance with approved disposal practices.

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He said the enforcement was not merely about apprehending offenders, but about changing attitudes towards waste disposal.

“We are not merely interested in apprehending offenders, but in promoting compliance and encouraging a sustained change in public attitude towards waste management,” Gbadegesin said.

He warned residents, traders, businesses and property owners against dumping waste on roads, walkways, drains and other unauthorised locations.

Gbadegesin said waste should be properly bagged and handed over to accredited Private Sector Participation operators, adding that businesses and property owners had a responsibility for waste generated within and around their premises.

He said the authority would continue to monitor different parts of Lagos and take enforcement action against individuals and businesses found violating environmental regulations.

The latest operation at Eric Moore Road, according to LAWMA, is specifically intended to ensure that areas already cleared of illegal dumping remain clean, rather than allowing previously addressed black spots to re-emerge.

The authority urged residents to support its enforcement efforts by using approved waste disposal channels and reporting illegal dumping and other waste management violations.