By: Tijani Salako.
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has engaged host communities of the Ewu-Elepe Landfill in Ikorodu, including residents of Elepe and Elenuwa communities, as part of efforts to strengthen stakeholder collaboration and address concerns arising from the operations of the facility.
This was disclosed in a statement shared with journalists by the LAWMA Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Mukaila Sanusi, acknowledging that the Managing Director/CEO of the agency, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the engagement was a follow-up to concerns raised by the host communities over the operational impacts of the Ewu-Elepe Landfill.
Gbadegesin, who led the engagement at Ewu-Elepe on Sunday, said the meeting also demonstrated the Authority’s responsiveness to the concerns of its host communities.
“We have listened to your concerns and are committed to addressing them systematically. The access roads are slated for permanent construction, while palliative works will provide immediate relief. We will commence the rehabilitation of the Ewu-Elepe Landfill as soon as weather permits, to improve the operational condition of the facility, enhance waste disposal activities and ease truck movement, thereby reducing the time spent accessing the landfill and relieving the associated pressure on the roads,” he said.
The LAWMA boss stated that the Lagos State Government was exploring partnerships to promote more sustainable approaches to waste management through circular-economy interventions, including waste-to-energy, waste-to-wealth and organic waste composting.
Earlier, representatives of the host communities commended LAWMA for providing a platform for constructive dialogue, while presenting concerns about the condition of the landfill infrastructure and access roads serving the facility and surrounding communities.
To strengthen collaboration and ensure effective follow-through, LAWMA directed the constitution of a joint Task Force and Technical Committee comprising representatives of the host communities, LAWMA, PSP operators and other relevant stakeholders.
The committees will support the monitoring of the proposed road construction and palliative works, address environmental and operational infractions associated with waste truck activities, and work with stakeholders to strengthen security and improve environmental conditions within the host communities.
The meeting was attended by executives of the Community Development Associations (CDAs), residents of the host communities, the National President of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN), representatives of PSP operators, recyclers and waste pickers, as well as LAWMA operatives, including the Head of Landfills.
LAWMA reaffirmed its commitment to sustained engagement with host communities and other stakeholders, noting that constructive dialogue and collaborative action remained essential to achieving efficient waste management operations while promoting the wellbeing and environmental sustainability of communities around its facilities.
