Residents of Lagos have called for sustainable solutions to the state’s growing refuse crisis, saying the monthly environmental sanitation exercise alone cannot address the challenge.

The residents made the call in separate interviews on Friday in Lagos.

They stated that environmental sanitation remained important but stressed the need for regular waste evacuation and improved waste management infrastructure.

A trader in Agege, Abiola Oyegbami, said the exercise could improve cleanliness temporarily but would not solve the problem of overflowing refuse dumps.

“People can sweep and clear drains during sanitation, but if waste remains uncollected for weeks, the environment will become dirty again. The real solution is regular evacuation,” he said.

A resident of Mafoluku, Adaugo Eze, attributed the crisis to the increasing volume of waste generated daily across the state.

“Lagos is growing rapidly and producing more waste than ever. The sanitation exercise is useful, but the waste management system must expand to keep pace with the population.

“I doubt if people are motivated enough to clean up anymore. If people do not participate, I will not blame them,” she said.

Abosede Akinwunmi, a food vendor in Ogba, identified indiscriminate dumping of refuse as a major challenge.

“Many people still dump refuse in canals and open spaces. Until residents change their attitude toward waste disposal, the problem will continue,” she said.

A commercial driver, Yomi Murphy, said the situation had worsened flooding during the rainy season.

“Blocked drains filled with refuse worsen flooding whenever it rains. Sometimes roads become difficult to use because water has nowhere to flow,” he said.

Also speaking, a resident of Aguda, Nnaemeka Agha, welcomed assurances from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to improve waste management, but said residents had yet to feel the impact.

“The governor acknowledged the problem and promised improvements. We are still waiting to see those measures fully implemented. The agencies responsible must act faster,” he said.

Similarly, Maureen Ali, who operates a roadside shop along College Road, said recent government pronouncements had raised expectations among residents.

“We have heard plans to strengthen waste collection and sanitation. What people want now is action. The agencies concerned should ensure refuse is cleared before it becomes a health risk,” she said.

Feyi Lawal, a resident of Agege, called for increased investment in recycling and waste-processing facilities.

“We cannot continue relying only on dumpsites. Recycling and waste-to-energy projects can reduce the volume of refuse and create jobs at the same time,” she said.

Another resident of Agege, Patrick Imoh, stressed the need for environmental education and community participation.

“Residents must also play their part. People should dispose of waste properly and support efforts aimed at keeping their neighbourhoods clean,” he said.

The residents said sustained waste collection, stronger enforcement of environmental laws and improved waste management infrastructure were critical to addressing the refuse challenge in Lagos. 

(NAN)