… Explore Waste Management Strategies
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Tuesday, hosted
students and faculty members from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel,
and the University of Lagos (UNILAG), as part of their study tour on urban
challenges and environmental sustainability.
The delegation, led by Prof. Lynn Schler, Head of the African
Studies Department at Ben-Gurion University, Israel, was welcomed by the
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, who
provided an overview of LAWMA’s role in ensuring cleanliness across Lagos and
its efforts to promote environmental sustainability.
He stated that LAWMA, established in 1977, emerged from the need to address the state's waste crisis experienced earlier, adding that the agency’s operations aligned with the THEMES+ agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, with emphasis on health and environment.
Gbadegesin identified climate change as a major challenge,
contributing to the influx of migrants to the state, many of whom take up scavenging
as a means of survival, noting that LAWMA was working on properly integrating
them into the waste management system in the state, through the 'Last Man
Collector' initiative.
"We have approximately 3,000 scavengers at the Olusosun
dumpsite alone. So far, we have enumerated about 5,000 of them, and our goal is
to transition them to be better structured in the waste collection roles,"
he explained.
He further disclosed LAWMA’s plan to establish an upcycling
center in Otto, one of the state’s oldest communities, with the aim of training
young people in upcycling and other sustainable waste management practices,
shifting from simply cleaning the state to implementing sustainable solutions
that prevent waste from reaching public spaces.
Prof. Schler commended LAWMA’s waste management and
environmental sustainabilty initiatives, applauding the Authority’s leadership
and forward thinking strategies.
"If this were the only activity on our study tour, it
would have been entirely worthwhile. The leadership and forward-thinking
strategies at LAWMA are truly inspiring", she said.
Shira Lahav, a student of Ben-Gurion University, expressed her
excitement about the program, emphasising the importance of international
collaboration. "This experience exceeded my expectations. Learning about
Lagos and its waste management system has been incredibly insightful," she
said.
A history and strategic studies student from UNILAG, Femi
Anjola Elizabeth, who joined the Israeli students on the tour, admitted that
she knew little about how waste collection worked in Lagos before the
visit. She said, "I have seen PSP
operators in my area, but today, I have gained a much deeper appreciation of
the system."
The event also featured a question-and-answer session, where
the students and faculty members engaged with the LAWMA boss on critical issues
bordering on LAWMA’s operations, providing valuable insights into the
challenges and solutions shaping waste management in one of Africa’s most
populous cities.
For waste management-related issues, call LAWMA toll-free
numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020, and 617, or visit
www.lawma.gov.ng.
Kadiri Folashade (Mrs.)
Director, Public Affairs
0 Comments