Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), has urged private organizations and residents to participate in the ‘Adopt a Street’ initiative as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This initiative aims to improve environmental cleanliness across Lagos State.
Speaking on Lagos Television’s “The Conversation” and Channels TV’s “Sunrise” programs, Dr. Gbadegesin emphasized the need for increased community involvement in sanitation efforts. He encouraged businesses and individuals to take an active role in maintaining the cleanliness of their neighborhoods.
“Adopting a street or community allows organizations to make a significant contribution to the city’s cleanliness efforts. This initiative involves more than just providing bins; it encompasses the ongoing responsibility for the cleanliness and upkeep of entire areas. It also serves as an effective CSR strategy that benefits both the environment and the participating organizations,” Dr. Gbadegesin stated.
He connected the recent cholera outbreak to poor environmental practices such as open defecation and illegal waste disposal, suggesting that these issues could be mitigated through continuous community sanitation efforts. “Sanitation should become a daily habit and a cultural norm that we instill in our children,” he added.
Discussing LAWMA’s ongoing clean-up campaign in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Gbadegesin said, “Our current focus is on sensitization, and we are resuming the monthly sanitation exercises. We are engaging with local stakeholders and addressing community challenges.”
LAWMA is also advancing its “Adopt a Bin” program to encourage households to manage their waste more effectively. “The new LAWMA smart bins are transforming household waste management. We aim to ensure that every home has its own bin, facilitated by a 24-month installment plan. These bins are equipped with RFID tags and geolocation capabilities, allowing us to track when they are emptied and ensure efficient service,” he explained.
Dr. Gbadegesin highlighted the state government’s partnership with the private sector, including a memorandum of understanding with the Jospong Group to develop material recovery facilities and modern landfills in Lagos. LAWMA is also working with local authorities to establish community recycling centers, offering residents dedicated spaces for recycling and incentives.
Regarding LAWMA Academy, he said, “We are educating the next generation on recycling and environmental cleanliness. Our ongoing summer school program will last for a month, and we will soon offer online classes with certification through the LAWMA Academy website.”
He also reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to improving the welfare of street sweepers by implementing health insurance and skill development programs.
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