The Lagos Waste Management Authority says strong inter-agency coordination, early planning, and widespread public participation were key to the success of the recent statewide environmental sanitation.

LAWMA’s boss, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this in an interview on Monday in Lagos.

Gbadegesin said seamless collaboration among its teams, Private Sector Participation operators, local governments, and enforcement agencies ensured effective coverage across the state.

He noted that advance operational planning, including the strategic deployment of trucks, equipment, and personnel, enabled a smooth and efficient exercise.

Mr Gbadegesin added that disposal infrastructure, including landfill sites and transfer loading stations, was optimised ahead of the exercise to guarantee seamless waste reception and turnaround during evacuation.

According to him, intensive sensitisation campaigns boosted public compliance, while the active involvement of LGAs, LCDAs, and community leaders ensured grassroots participation.

He said targeted interventions at blackspots, markets, highways, and inner communities contributed to visible environmental improvements, supported by real-time monitoring and field coordination.

Responding to claims of non-evacuation of waste in some areas, the LAWMA boss described such reports as misleading and not reflective of the actual situation on the ground.

He explained that waste evacuation is a structured process carried out in phases due to the large volume generated during the exercise.

“Evacuation is not instantaneous but follows a coordinated operational schedule,” he said.

He added that PSP operators commenced evacuation immediately after the exercise across all jurisdictions. He said the prepared disposal chain, supported by optimised landfill sites and TLS, was ensuring systematic and regulated waste processing.

The authority emphasised that it prioritises safe and proper disposal at approved facilities over rushed or indiscriminate clearance.

Mr Gbadegesin said field reports across LGAs confirmed that evacuation was ongoing, while continuous monitoring and intervention were being carried out to support PSP operations where necessary.

He reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to sustaining the gains of the sanitation exercise through continuous evacuation, enforcement, and public engagement.

The managing director urged residents to support ongoing efforts by adhering to proper waste disposal practices. 

(NAN)