Some residents of Igbogbo-Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Ikorodu, Lagos State, have expressed concern over the increasing rate of indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the area.
Residents in the Offin and Oreta communities decried the several black waste bags and household refuse littering road junctions, drainage channels and uncompleted buildings.
They said that the council lacked strict enforcement and improved waste collection by government agencies.
The residents noted that the refuse were an eyesore and posed health risks to them.
The residents appealed for more waste bins and regular sensitisation drives to encourage compliance with environmental laws.
Mrs. Aminat Kareem, a trader at Oreta road, lamented that the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) trucks hardly come to their area for regular collection.
“We hardly see LAWMA trucks come this way and when they come it’s at times when most people are not around.
“Many people have no choice but to dump their refuse by the roadside or into nearby drains, because they can’t keep them for long.
“It is not that we don’t want a clean environment but when refuse is not collected for days, it becomes frustrating,” she said.
Similarly, Mr. Seyi Adewale, a youth leader at Igbogbo-Baiyeku community, attributed the problem to poor monitoring and the failure of residents to embrace community sanitation.
“People dump refuse anywhere once it’s dark because they know no one will challenge them.
“We need local enforcement teams that can identify offenders and fine them, just like LAWMA is doing now.
“It will make people think twice before polluting our streets,” he said.
He urged the Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA chairman to strengthen collaboration with private waste operators and increase awareness campaigns on proper waste disposal.
Mrs. Dupe Ogunlola, an Environmental Officer in the council, acknowledged the challenges and said plans were underway to improve collection logistics and enforcement.
“We are aware that Offin and Oreta communities are underserved due to distance and road conditions,” she said.
According to Ogunlola, the council is working with LAWMA and private PSP operators to ensure that no community is left out.
“At the same time, residents must take responsibility for their surroundings,” she said.
Mr. Kayode Aina, an Environmental Health Advocate in Ikorodu, urged residents to form community sanitation committees to complement government’s efforts.
He also urged them to ensure timely disposal of refuse and report illegal dump sites to the authorities.
“Keeping the environment clean is not just LAWMA’s duty, it’s a shared responsibility.
“Once we make offenders accountable, things will change,” he said.
By Oluwaseun Nubi