Lagos Govt Engages Waste Managers Ahead of Sanitation Exercise, Pledges Tougher Oversight of PSP Operators

FUNSHO AROGUNDADE 

The Lagos State Government has met with the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria, AWAMN, and representatives of PSP operators ahead of the Monthly Environmental Sanitation exercise scheduled for Saturday, August 29.

The meeting, chaired by the State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Hon. Tokunbo Wahab, is part of ongoing efforts to address operational challenges affecting the state’s waste management system.

According to the Commissioner, the objective is to build a waste management system that is “efficient, sustainable, and accountable.”

Key areas under review include the regulation of PSP operators and issues around dumpsites, access roads, drainage, operational platforms, and disposal turnaround time.

Wahab said ongoing improvement works at Solous 3, Igando are expected to ease pressure on other disposal sites and improve the efficiency of waste collection across several communities, particularly in the Alimosho axis.

The Commissioner disclosed that the financial sustainability of PSP operations is also being reviewed.

However, he stressed that any adjustment must be matched by “transparency, accountability, and quality service delivery.”

“Operational challenges cannot be an excuse for failing residents,” Wahab stated.

“Every PSP operator is expected to meet its contractual obligations, maintain its fleet, and provide consistent service,” he added.

The government said it will introduce stronger community-level monitoring and enforcement to ensure residents patronise designated operators and stop indiscriminate waste disposal.

“Ultimately, government, waste managers and residents must work together to build a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos,” the Commissioner said.

The Monthly Environmental Sanitation exercise holds statewide on the last Saturday of every month.

Residents are urged to participate by cleaning their surroundings and disposing of waste properly through approved channels.