As the global community marks the 2023 World Cleanup Day, the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has called for responsible waste management in the state.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, made the call in a statement on Saturday in Lagos.
He said that the day provided an opportunity for deep reflection on the need for sustained clean-up and effective waste management in the state.
Gbadegesin said that the 2023 World Cleanup Day had the theme: “Celebrate the Earth.”
The World Cleanup Day is an annual global social action program aimed at combating the global solid waste problem, including the problem of marine debris.
The Day is held over the course of a 24-hour period, on the 3rd Saturday of September annually. It aims at raising awareness of the mismanaged waste crisis by mobilizing all spheres of society to participate in cleanup actions.
On that day, individuals, governments, corporations and organizations are all encouraged to take part in cleanups and to find solutions to tackle mismanaged waste.
The LAWMA chief executive called on residents to actively participate in community cleanup activities, with particular emphasis on waterways.
“Residents are encouraged to actively participate in community cleanup activities, particularly focusing on waterways.
“This collective effort helps in the removal of plastic waste from our vulnerable ecosystems and safeguarding residents from further harm. We also advise residents to own a waste bin and patronize only accredited PSP operators.
“One of LAWMA’s most impactful initiatives is the promotion of a plastic recycling program.
“This program plays a crucial role in mitigating environmental degradation and contributes to economic growth by creating employment opportunities within the state.
“So, we encourage residents to embrace sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics, such as reusable water bottles,” Gbadegesin said.
He highlighted the importance of source separation i.e. the practice of separating waste at its point of generation, saying that it streamlined the recycling process.
He added that it also minimized contamination, making the recycling effort more effective.
The LAWMA boss urged residents to shun improper waste disposal in drainages, set-backs, walkways, and other inappropriate locations.
He said that littering not only marred the environment but also posed a serious threat to wildlife and aquatic life.
Gbadegesin noted that the overuse of single-use plastic worsened the pollution problem, advising residents to limit its use and seek sustainable alternatives.
He emphasized that it was imperative to keep drains and gutters free of debris, to prevent water logging and flooding.
Gbadegesin added that neglecting this responsibility could lead to avoidable environmental hazards.
According to him, the use of waste to reclaim lands must be shunned as it endangered both the environment and the people living in it.
“As we observe the 2023 World Cleanup Day, let us all come together to ‘Celebrate the Earth’ and take meaningful steps towards caring for our environment.
“With LAWMA’s comprehensive guidelines and initiatives, we are poised to make a significant impact in the fight against plastic pollution and for a sustainable, cleaner future,” Gbadegesin said.
