Residents across several communities in Lagos State have expressed frustration over the growing irregularity in waste collection, warning that the situation is leading to clogged drainages, unpleasant odours, and increasing environmental hazards.
From Surulere to Ikorodu, Ajah, Yaba, and parts of the Lagos Mainland, residents say waste disposal operators under the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) have become inconsistent in their weekly collection schedules, leaving refuse bins overflowing for days.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, some residents accused Private Sector Participants (PSPs) of abandoning designated routes or arriving without prior notice. “For three weeks now, no truck has come to pick up our refuse. We have been forced to dump bags inside makeshift containers,” a resident of Ikorodu complained.
Others fear the situation could worsen as the rains intensify, with blocked gutters increasing the risk of flooding and disease outbreaks. Environmental advocates have also warned that indiscriminate dumping has risen as residents seek alternatives.
In response, LAWMA officials say efforts are ongoing to address the disruptions, citing operational challenges faced by PSP operators, including rising fuel costs and mechanical issues. The agency assured that monitoring teams have been deployed to ensure compliance and restore regular collection across affected communities.
Residents are, however, urging the government to act swiftly, stressing that Lagos cannot afford another sanitation crisis.
