The Managing Director and CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has called on private organizations and residents to actively participate in community sanitation by adopting streets and neighborhoods as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts. This initiative aims to improve environmental cleanliness across Lagos State.
Speaking on Lagos Television’s “The Conversation” and Channels TV’s “Sunrise” programs, Dr. Gbadegesin emphasized the critical role that businesses and individuals can play in maintaining a clean environment. He encouraged organizations to go beyond merely providing waste bins by taking responsibility for the cleanliness and upkeep of entire communities.
“Adopting a street or community is an excellent way for organizations to contribute meaningfully to the city’s cleanliness efforts. It goes beyond just placing bins; it’s about taking responsibility for the cleanliness and maintenance of entire neighborhoods. This initiative will also serve as a strong CSR strategy, benefiting both the environment and the organizations involved,” Dr. Gbadegesin explained.
He further linked the recent cholera outbreak in the state to poor environmental practices, including open defecation and illegal waste disposal, and stressed that sustained community sanitation efforts could significantly mitigate these issues. “Sanitation should be a daily habit, ingrained in our culture, and this is what we should be teaching our children,” he added.
Addressing ongoing community clean-up campaigns spearheaded by LAWMA and the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Gbadegesin mentioned that these efforts are part of a broader sensitization program. He also confirmed that the monthly sanitation exercise, a key part of Lagos State’s waste management strategy, would be reinstated. “We are going from community to community, engaging with local stakeholders, and addressing residents’ challenges,” he said.
Dr. Gbadegesin also highlighted LAWMA’s “Adopt a Bin” program, which encourages households to effectively containerize their waste. He pointed out the introduction of new LAWMA smart bins, which are designed to revolutionize household waste management. These bins are equipped with RFID tags and geolocation technology, enabling LAWMA to track when bins are emptied and ensuring more efficient service from waste operators. To make these bins accessible to all, LAWMA has introduced a 24-month installment plan for households.
Additionally, Dr. Gbadegesin discussed LAWMA’s collaboration with the private sector to enhance waste disposal facilities in Lagos. This includes a memorandum of understanding with the Jospong Group to build material recovery facilities and modern landfills. He also noted LAWMA’s efforts to work with local governments to establish community recycling centers, providing residents with dedicated spaces to dispose of recyclables and receive incentives.
On educational initiatives, Dr. Gbadegesin mentioned the LAWMA Academy’s ongoing efforts to teach the next generation about recycling and the importance of maintaining a clean environment. “Currently, we have an ongoing summer school that will last for a month, and in the next few months, we are going to open a portal for online classes with certification on the LAWMA Academy website,” he stated.
In closing, Dr. Gbadegesin reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to improving the welfare of street sweepers, noting that the agency is implementing health insurance and skill development programs for its workers.
