Lagos Orders 160 New Compactors to Tackle Waste Collection Delays

Lagos State Government has ordered 160 new waste compactors as part of efforts to address recent delays in waste collection and improve sanitation across the state.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this after accompanying Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat on an inspection of waste management operations at the Olusosun Dumpsite.

Wahab acknowledged the frustration caused by delays in waste collection in recent weeks, saying the government would not allow refuse to accumulate on the streets of Lagos.

He said access roads at the state’s five major dumpsites were being levelled and expanded to allow waste trucks to enter, discharge their loads and return to the roads without unnecessary delays.

According to him, the 160 new compactors would significantly strengthen the state’s waste collection fleet, while development partners are also providing additional heavy-duty equipment to improve operational capacity.

Wahab added that the Lagos State Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, was being restructured to strengthen supervision, accountability and performance.

He said the government was also engaging Private Sector Participation operators to improve their operations and ensure that only capable and responsible operators remained on the roads.

The commissioner disclosed that two major Transfer Loading Stations were under construction at Olusosun and Solous 3, while Material Recovery Facilities were planned for Epe and Badagry.

He said the facilities would help modernise waste collection, sorting, recycling and resource recovery across Lagos.

Wahab, however, warned residents against indiscriminate dumping of refuse on roads, walkways and other unauthorised locations, stressing that environmental enforcement officers would continue to apprehend and prosecute offenders.

He said the government remained committed to restoring efficiency to the state’s waste management system and delivering a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Lagos.