Wale Jagun
The Executive Chairman, Imota Local Council Development Area, Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele, has issued a stern warning to all residents in the community to henceforth refrain from indiscriminate waste dumping, stating that offenders will have no place to hide.
Hon. Benson Ayodele emphasised that illegal dumping of waste on road medians or any public space within the community is strictly prohibited, and all environmental violators will be prosecuted.
He gave the warning on Wednesday, in a statement issued by the council’s Media and Publicity Engagement Office
The Council Chairman urged residents to register with the waste collection services provided by the Private Sector Participants (PSP), adding that an environmental advocacy team to conduct a door-to-door awareness campaign to educate residents on proper waste disposal practices will soon be constituted.
Hon. Benson Ayodele encouraged residents to report any issues or dissatisfaction with waste collection services to the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) instead of resorting to illegal dumping, particularly at night. He said that loose waste at illegal dumpsites indicates that many households need to have waste bins in their compounds, which will bring improved waste evacuation and reduce the incidence of unsightly blackspots that blight roads within the community and clogged drains.
He stated that there will be no hiding place for persons hiding under the cover of darkness to dispose of their waste at illegal locations. Additionally, he reiterated his administration’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws, which include identifying and prosecuting offenders accordingly and ensuring a zero-tolerance policy towards environmental violations.
Hon. Benson added that the council’s environmental department and security enforcement team would operate around the clock to track and apprehend individuals who violate waste management regulations, noting that heightened night monitoring will be constituted to arrest defaulters.
Commenting further, he cited different designated waste storage locations within the community that serve as collection points for the authorised Private Sector Participants (PSP). These include — beside Community Primary School at Oriokuta, in front of Cherubim and Seraphim Ibukun Orisun Iye Church, Imota, beside The Redeemed Bus Stop at Imota, Imota Roundabout Bus Stop, among others.
The Council boss emphasised that every resident has a role to play in maintaining a cleaner and healthier environment and encouraged residents to make use of the council’s environmental department to report any issues with waste collection, stressing that indiscriminate dumping would no longer be tolerated.
“The local council remains steadfast in its mission to transform Imota LCDA into a cleaner and more sustainable community, ensuring that all offenders are brought to justice. We want to urge all residents to comply with waste management regulations and contribute to a cleaner environment for all.
“I urge our people to take responsibility for the waste we generate and act as responsible citizens. We cannot continue to litter our roads, dump waste on the roadside or at illegal sites, or patronize cart-pushers for waste disposal.
“This is a call for a complete change in attitude towards our environment, beginning with basic hygiene at home, proper domestic waste management, and ultimately, environment-friendly practices. The quality of our environment directly impacts the quality of the lives we live. A clean environment is a major weapon against diseases and other public health challenges” he said.
Residents are encouraged to contact LAWMA through its toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020, and 617, or visit www.lawma.gov.ng for inquiries, complaints, or more details.
