The Lagos State Government (LASG) has assured residents that the establishment of new dump sites will not negatively impact host communities.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, gave the assurance on Saturday during an inspection tour of the Olusosun and Soluos 2 and 3 landfill sites.
Wahab said the government was transitioning from a linear waste management model to an environmentally friendly and sustainable system.
“We are moving from a linear waste management system to a proper waste management system that is environmentally friendly and sustainable, in a way that waste is now seen as a resource.
“The quantum of waste that will end up in landfills will be reduced to the barest minimum. We are going to recycle some, convert some into compost fertilizer, and the remaining combustible waste will be taken by Lafayette for processing. Others will be harvested and converted to energy. Whatever is left will be so minimal that it can be taken to the landfill,” he said.
The commissioner said the condition of the Olusosun and Soluos 2 landfills had been a long-standing concern, hence the need for an on-the-spot assessment.
“We have been engaging the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and PSP operators. Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has met with them, and the State Executive Council has also deliberated on the issues. At every point, the state of the Olusosun and Soluos 3 landfills has come up.
“It is appropriate to assess these landfills because we are also opening new waste management corridors in Badagry, Ikorodu, and Epe. We have said that Soluos 3 and Olusosun must be decommissioned, and that plan is ongoing,” he added.
Wahab assured journalists that Lagos residents would begin to see visible improvements within 18 months.
“Earlier today, we visited the designated site for Zoom Lion, our partner on the Waste-to-Wealth project. Part of the agreement is that once they begin the material recovery facility, they will commence the decommissioning and capping of the dumpsites in line with global standards.
“The same will be done for Soluos 3, which is why we are providing alternative facilities in Ikorodu, Epe and Badagry,” he said.
He noted that Olusosun sits on a rigid pavement, stressing that PSP operators must not indiscriminately park their trucks on the road.
“LAWMA has provided the needed facilities and infrastructure, but operators must understand that they cannot wilfully park their trucks on the road. We also used to have an alternative exit route for them, and that must be reconsidered, especially as we work toward full decommissioning.
“For Soluos 3, the situation cannot continue; we must put a stop to it as soon as possible,” Wahab said.
Senior management staff of the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources were present during the inspection.
