World Clean-up Day: LAWMA Advocates Responsible Waste Management

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, has joined the rest of the world In observing this year’s World Clean-up Day.

The celebration which is a global initiative dedicated to eliminate littering and waste from the surroundings, has prompted LAWMA to call on residents to show commitment towards responsible waste management.

Addressing the Media on the theme of this year’s event, “Celebrate the Earth”, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the annual program provided an opportunity for deep reflection on the need for sustained clean-up and effective waste management in the state, and called on residents to actively participate in community cleanup activities, with  particular emphasis on waterways.

He said, “Residents are encouraged to actively participate in community cleanup activities, particularly focusing on waterways. This collective effort helps in the removal of plastic waste from  our vulnerable ecosystems, safeguarding them from further harm. We also advise residents to own a waste bin and patronise only accredited PSP operators.

“One of LAWMA’s most impactful initiatives is the promotion of plastic recycling program. This program plays a crucial role in mitigating environmental degradation and contributes to economic growth by creating employment opportunities within the state. So, we encourage residents to embrace sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics, such as reusable water bottles”, Gbadegesin stated.

Gbadegesin also highlighted the importance of source separation, the practice of separating waste at its point of generation, which streamlines the recycling process and minimises contamination, making the recycling effort more effective.

He urged residents to shun improper disposal of waste on drainages, set-backs, walkways, and other inappropriate locations, adding that littering not only mars the environment but also poses a serious threat to wildlife and aquatic life.

He stressed that the overuse of single-use plastics worsens the pollution problem, advising residents to limit their use and seek sustainable alternatives.

The LAWMA boss emphasised that it was imperative to keep drains and gutters free of debris, to prevent water logging and flooding, adding that neglecting this responsibility could lead to avoidable environmental hazards.

He  noted further that the use of waste to reclaim lands must be shunned as it endangered both the environment and the people living in it.

“As we observe World Clean-up Day, let us all come together to Celebrate the Earth and take meaningful steps towards caring for our environment. With LAWMA’s comprehensive guidelines and initiatives, we are poised to make a significant impact in the fight against plastic pollution and for a sustainable, cleaner future”, he stated.