Lagos clears refuse in Oshodi after PUNCH report

The Lagos Waste Management Authority has commenced the clearing of heaps of refuse that littered the Oshodi Bus Terminal corridor, following a PUNCH Metro report.

Our correspondent reported on Wednesday that despite Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive ordering the immediate scale-up of waste evacuation across Lagos, heaps of refuse still littered parts of Oshodi.

Residents, traders and commuters had complained of the persistent stench and expressed concerns for looming health risks.

During a follow-up visit by our correspondents on Thursday, it was observed that LAWMA trucks and waste containers had been deployed to the area, while most of the refuse had been cleared.

Our correspondents also observed that vehicular movement had improved significantly, and the offensive odour that previously enveloped the area had reduced, although a small portion of the waste remained as of the time of the visit.

Speaking with our correspondents, a trader at Oshodi Market, Adeoye, said the evacuation exercise had reached her section of the market, adding that officials worked from Tuesday night into the morning.

“They packed the refuse in front of my shop this morning. I think they are waiting for another truck to remove the remaining heap. Because it is the rainy season, they don’t have anywhere to keep the waste.

“The officials were here throughout yesterday till this morning. They actually started the evacuation on Tuesday night,” he said.

Another resident, Tobe, commended the agency for the ongoing exercise, expressing optimism that the remaining refuse would soon be cleared.

“They have been here. Thank God. They removed one large heap this morning (Thursday), and they are still trying. I don’t know about other places, but they have really tried for us here in Oshodi this week. You can even see one of their trucks here. Before tomorrow, I believe they will remove another heap,” he said.

A trader, Mr Ayeni, appreciated LAWMA for responding to residents’ complaints, saying the environment had improved considerably.

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“They have started packing the refuse. They came yesterday, and I saw one of their trucks when I opened my shop. We want to thank LAWMA for the good job. At least it is much better now. Last week was terrible. I just hope they continue coming so the place remains clean,” he said.

Another resident, Okechukwu, said the evacuation had been ongoing for two days, with heavy-duty equipment deployed to clear the waste.

“One of the caterpillars is working over there, and it’s been here since Tuesday. One of their trucks was filled and left. I believe they will continue working till evening and finish up today. Maybe the complaints they received made them respond quickly,” he said.

Silas described the cleanup as a good development, saying residents were beginning to enjoy a cleaner environment little by little.

“They are trying their best. They came on Tuesday, and now only this small heap is left. Everybody wants to stay in a clean environment. Since they started clearing the refuse, we have been feeling much better. If they remove the remaining heap today, the place will be much cleaner than before,” he said.

Responding to further enquiries in a telephone interview on Thursday, the Managing Director of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the evacuation exercise was ongoing, noting that a substantial portion of the accumulated refuse had already been cleared.

“LAWMA’s intervention at the Oshodi Bus Terminal is still ongoing. As you rightly observed, a substantial volume of the accumulated waste has already been evacuated, while clearance of the remaining areas is continuing.

“Dedicated operational teams are currently working at the site, with the evacuation expected to be completed later today, subject to operational conditions.

“Beyond the ongoing clean-up, LAWMA is also working with relevant stakeholders to strengthen waste management around the terminal and prevent a recurrence through improved monitoring, regular evacuation and stricter compliance with approved waste disposal practices,” he said.

He urged residents to cooperate with the agency, adding that “authority remains committed to restoring and maintaining a clean, safe and sanitary environment at the Oshodi Bus Terminal.”