The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has engaged residents of communities hosting the Ewu-Elepe Landfill in Ikorodu, Lagos State, over concerns about the facility’s operations and the condition of roads leading to it.
The engagement, which took place at Ewu-Elepe, involved residents and representatives of Elepe and Elenuwa communities, who raised concerns about the condition of the landfill infrastructure, access roads and the activities of waste trucks in the area.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, who led the meeting, said the engagement was part of efforts to strengthen collaboration with host communities and address the challenges associated with the landfill.
Gbadegesin said the authority had listened to the concerns of the communities and was committed to addressing them systematically.
He said the access roads to the facility were slated for permanent construction, while palliative works would be carried out to provide immediate relief to residents and road users.
According to him, LAWMA would commence the rehabilitation of the Ewu-Elepe Landfill as soon as weather conditions permitted, with the aim of improving the facility’s operational condition, enhancing waste disposal activities and easing the movement of waste trucks.
He added that improved access to the landfill would reduce the time spent by trucks accessing the facility and ease pressure on the roads serving the surrounding communities.
Gbadegesin also said the Lagos State Government was exploring partnerships to promote more sustainable waste management practices through circular-economy initiatives, including waste-to-energy, waste-to-wealth and organic waste composting.
Earlier, representatives of the host communities commended LAWMA for providing an avenue for constructive dialogue but highlighted the deteriorating condition of the landfill infrastructure and access roads as major concerns.
In response, LAWMA directed the constitution of a joint Task Force and Technical Committee comprising representatives of the host communities, the authority, Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators and other relevant stakeholders.
The committees are expected to monitor the proposed road construction and palliative works, address environmental and operational infractions linked to waste truck activities, and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to improve security and environmental conditions in the host communities.
The meeting was attended by executives of Community Development Associations, residents of the affected communities, the National President of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN), representatives of PSP operators, recyclers and waste pickers, as well as LAWMA officials, including the Head of Landfills.
The authority reaffirmed its commitment to sustained engagement with host communities, stressing that constructive dialogue and collaborative action were essential to achieving efficient waste management while protecting the wellbeing and environmental sustainability of communities around its facilities.
