IBRAHIM QUADRI
Residents of the Abule Taylor area in Lagos State have raised the alarm over a mounting waste management crisis, following the prolonged absence of Private Sector Participants (PSP) responsible for refuse evacuation.
Some of the sections affected in the area include Obabunmi Thomas Street, Dada Olowu Street, Abiodun Aina Street, and other parts of the community.
Residents lamented the inefficiency and eventual disappearance of PSP operators who had previously serviced the area but later withdrew without explanation.
With heaps of refuse now accumulating across the neighborhood, concerns are mounting over potential health hazards and environmental risks, especially with the rainy season fast approaching.
“There’s an urgent need for the PSP operators to return before the rains begin. If not, the drainage system could be blocked immediately the rains start,” said Adebowale Olusola.
“We have complained about the PSP’s non-operation in our neighborhood, but there has been no positive response.”
Olusola explained that Community Development Associations (CDAs) have made repeated efforts to restore PSP operations, but the operators cited inaccessibility of the streets as a major challenge.
“We don’t understand this excuse. Residents with cars are able to ply the roads without difficulty, and payments were made regularly when the PSP was operational,” he added.
He appealed to the Ministry of the Environment and the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to urgently intervene.
Other residents also lamented that the front of a Redeemed Christian Church located at the Abule Taylor Bus Stop top has become an illegal dumpsite despite efforts by the church, including stationing security personnel and fencing off the area, passersby continue to dump refuse indiscriminately.
A representative of the church expressed deep frustration, noting that the illegal dumping not only defaces the place of worship but also exacerbates environmental degradation and public health risks.
They called on LAWMA and the relevant PSP operators to urgently resume waste evacuation services, warning that without immediate intervention, the area could face severe flooding and a public health emergency.
The growing dissatisfaction among residents highlights the pressing need for a more responsive and inclusive waste management strategy in Lagos, particularly in underserved inner-city communities where infrastructure challenges persist.
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