LAWMA deploys heavy equipment to clear waste, seals 25 buildings

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has deployed extensive operational resources and manpower to evacuate accumulated waste along Ago Palace Way, Okota, while sealing over 25 buildings for various environmental and regulatory infractions.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, led the intervention on Sunday morning, with management staff joining operational teams in the exercise, which targeted recurrent illegal dumping on road medians and around bridge abutments.

The operation featured a massive deployment of compactor trucks, a payloader, tipper trucks and street sweepers to clear accumulated waste and restore environmental order along the affected corridor.

It also witnessed the sensitisation of the populace by the LAWMA advocacy team against indiscriminate dumping while encouraging handling of waste through the appropriate channels.

Over 25 buildings, including a Mobil filling station, were sealed for various infractions, including the development of illegal stalls on road setbacks and harbouring street traders whose activities contributed to littering and indiscriminate waste disposal.

Gbadegesin reiterated that the Authority would enforce the law against illegal street trading and those who patronise traders operating in prohibited locations, stressing that such activities undermine public order, obstruct movement and contribute to environmental degradation.

The exercise also resulted in the arrest of some cart pushers allegedly involved in illegal waste disposal, including one Shamusi Muritala, who identified himself as being from Katsina State and admitted to dumping waste on road medians, pleading for leniency.

During questioning, Muritala disclosed that he collected as much as ₦5,000 from each customer to dispose of waste on the median, highlighting the commercial activities that sustain illegal dumping in the area.

The intervention received support from operatives of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) team.

LAWMA reaffirmed its commitment to sustained waste evacuation, stronger enforcement and public engagement to curb illegal dumping, protect public infrastructure and achieve a cleaner Lagos.