It seems it’s not going to be business as usual for Lagosians and residents in Lagos, who are of the habit of emptying their waste into drainage channels.
This is coming as the Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA’s enforcement team apprehended a woman for illegally emptying her waste bin into a drainage channel in the metropolis.
The woman, Rukayat Oderinde of No. 17, Hassan Ogumola Street, Ahamadiyya, Lagos, was caught red-handed on camera while disposing her household waste directly into the drainage channel.
According to LAWMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Ibrahim Odumboni, the act is strictly prohibited under existing waste management regulations in the state, as they posed serious threats to the overall cleanliness and functionality of the drainage system.
Odumboni noted that improper waste disposal, particularly through drainage channels, could lead to clogged drains, which in turn caused flooding during heavy rains.
He added that this has not only disrupted daily life, it has jeopardized the safety and health of the community.
“Blockages in drainage channels can result in stagnant water, becoming breeding grounds for disease-carrying Mosquitos and other harmful pests.
“I commend LAWMA enforcement team who wasted no time in apprehending the woman. This emphasizes our commitment to maintaining a clean and healthy environment for all residents.
“The woman was arrested and sentenced to 144 hours of community service by the Court, for violating waste management regulations. This incident serves as a stark reminder to residents that improper waste disposal will not be tolerated and will be met with strict enforcement”, he said.
The environmental offender is expected to commence her 8-hours per day community service from Ahmadiyya to Salolo route, for the next 18 days, cleaning the environment.
Odumboni reminded residents of the need to engage proper methods of waste disposal and the potential consequences of non-compliance.
He also urged them to use designated waste bins and containers for their household waste.
He implored the populace to patronize assigned PSP operators whose duty is to ensure seamless disposal of waste generated by tenements, adding that residents should call LAWMA toll-free numbers 07080601020 and 617, for any environmental infractions observed in their area.