LAWMA Snores Backseat, As Ladipo Drives Rubbish By Paul Adunwoke on October 18, 2015 3:05 am

Heap of refuse at Ladipo Int’l Spare Parts

Market, 

A MOUNTAIN of rubbish has taken over one of
the entrance roads into Ladipo International
Spare Parts Market, Mushin, Lagos State. This
heap has been emitting an offensive odour,
sparking complaints from some traders and taxi
operators in the area.
One of the traders, Ifeanyi Nwachukwu, blamed
the problem on failure of the Lagos State Waste
Management Agency (LAWMA) to discharge its
duties. He said people have continued to dump
refuse on the spot everyday, and also during the
statewide environmental sanitation exercise, but
the Agency has not been able to deploy its
personnel to clear the eyesore.
“The terrible stench is affecting my business.
Once would-be customers perceive it, they simply
move away from the place, rather than stop over
and buy something. I know that it is dangerous to
my health but there is little I can do. LAWMA
must wake up to its responsibility,” said
Nwachukwu.
A taxi driver, Mr. Kolade Olalekan, regretted that
the heap often causes traffic gridlock in the area,
explaining that with the mass, it becomes
impossible for two container-laden trucks to pass
at the same time.
Olalekan said: “We have called the LAWMA office
on telephone but they have refused to respond.
The traffic situation hampers our business. When
there is a gridlock, passengers stop patronizing
us, preferring commercial motorcycles instead.
One LAWMA official, who pleaded anonymity,
said some staff of the Agency are owed four
month’s salary and that some others have
resigned.
He said: “As of now, LAWMA does not have
enough staff members because of the backlog of
salaries it owes. Many of its street sweepers are
widows who are struggling to make ends meet.
The remuneration is poor and LAWMA
management in unable to pay salaries as at when
due. That is why many have left.
We have mouths to feed. How should we care for
them if we do not receive salaries? We want the
state government to probe the activities of
LAWMA management.”