Flood preparedness: LAWMA steps up waste evacuation, enforcement ahead of rains

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The Lagos Waste Management Authority has ramped up its flood preparedness strategy as the rainy season approaches, with a series of proactive measures aimed at preventing drainage blockages and ensuring efficient waste management across the state.

Managing Director of the agency, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed that LAWMA has intensified pre-rainy season waste evacuation, particularly in flood-prone and densely populated areas, to minimise the risk of flooding caused by blocked drainage systems.

He said the agency has also strengthened enforcement against indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drains, canals, and road medians, noting that such practices significantly hinder the free flow of storm water during heavy rainfall.

Gbadegesin revealed that the resurfacing of internal roads at the Olusosun landfill has been approved to enhance access and maintain uninterrupted waste evacuation operations even during adverse weather conditions.

According to him, LAWMA is strategically deploying personnel and equipment to critical locations, including markets, highways, and flood-prone corridors, to ensure rapid response to waste management challenges during the rainy season.

He added that monitoring of Private Sector Participants (PSPs) has been intensified to guarantee timely waste collection at both household and commercial levels, while operations at Transfer Loading Stations and Material Recovery Facilities are being enhanced to reduce pressure on landfills and improve turnaround time.

In addition, the agency is scaling up public sensitisation campaigns in collaboration with the News Agency of Nigeria, the National Orientation Agency, and other stakeholders to promote proper waste disposal practices among residents.

Gbadegesin further noted that LAWMA is supporting the reintroduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise to encourage community participation and maintain cleaner surroundings.

He urged residents to utilise the agency’s customer service channels for prompt resolution of waste-related issues and to adopt waste reduction practices such as reuse and recycling to ease pressure on drainage infrastructure.

The renewed efforts come amid a recent flood warning by the Federal Government, which indicated that at least 33 states, including Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory, are at risk of experiencing flooding this year.

Authorities say sustained collaboration between government agencies and residents will be critical in mitigating the impact of the anticipated heavy rains.