AWAMN calls for collaboration to address waste management challenges

By Fabian Ekeruche

The Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN) has called for collaboration between tenements and waste management agencies for effective waste management in Lagos.

The National President, AWAMN, Mr Olugbenga Adebola, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos while reacting to reports that some residents prefer cart pushers over Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators.

Adebola emphasised that the patronage of cart pushers was illegal and undermine proper waste management efforts.

He highlighted the importance of waste segregation, sorting, and treatment to prevent environmental and health hazards.

He noted that waste management is not solely a government-provided service but operates under the “Polluter Pay Principle,” which requires residents to pay for waste collection.

He added that the principle had been in place in Lagos since 1997.

According to him, challenges such as unpaid bills by residents, poor road access, and economic hardship have impacted waste collection efforts.

Adebola urged residents to promptly pay for PSP services to ensure consistent waste collection and discouraged using illegal cart pushers, who often dump waste indiscriminately.

He pointed out the high costs of waste collection equipment, with compactors costing up to ₦270 million when sourced from Europe.

The national president said that PSP operators face rising operational expenses, including high cost of fuel.

” Despite these challenges, operators remain committed to providing door-to-door waste collection services,” Adebola said.

He encouraged residents to report any lapses in PSP services and noted the imminent launch of enforcement initiatives like “Operation Show Your Receipt” to ensure compliance.

He stressed the collective responsibility of maintaining a clean environment to prevent diseases and urged Lagosians to prioritise proper waste disposal practices.