Lagos Govt sets to close Olusosun dump

The Lagos Waste Management Authority announced that the state government has developed a comprehensive plan to close the Olusosun dumpsite in the Ojota area, a move aimed at mitigating the persistent environmental and health issues linked to the site.

Sade Kadiri, LAWMA’s Director of Public Affairs, disclosed this information to our correspondent during a discussion on Monday.

Kadiri noted that the decommissioning will make way for innovative waste treatment solutions, set to transform the waste management landscape in Lagos.

According to her, the authority was shifting focus towards sustainable waste management solutions and a broader strategy to transform waste management in the state to reduce reliance on traditional dumpsite.

She said, “Looking ahead, we have significant plans for the Olusosun dumpsite. The site is slated for decommissioning and will be repurposed for an advanced waste treatment initiative.

“Our plans include the development of Waste-to-Wealth programmes, Waste-to-Energy projects, and organic waste composting facilities.”

Kadiri highlighted that LAWMA’s strategy was bolstered by recent partnerships aimed at bringing expertise and innovative solutions to Lagos.

She said the agency had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the JOSPONG Group and Harvest Waste, both recognised for their work in sustainable waste treatment while several other companies had expressed interest and were submitting proposals to support LAWMA’s ambitious goals.

“LAWMA is not only focused on long-term waste management solutions but is also taking immediate steps to safeguard public health,” she said.

Kadiri also reaffirmed that there have been no reported cases of cholera at the Olusosun site or any other designated waste management facilities in the state.

Nevertheless, as a precautionary measure, LAWMA has launched extensive awareness campaigns for its staff and waste collectors, stressing the crucial importance of maintaining proper hygiene practices and sanitary conditions to minimize potential risks.

“We recently began a sensitisation campaign on social media and our advocacy team has been going around the city sensitising and educating residents to preventive measures to adopt against the cholera scourge, which among others include hand-washing after handling refuse, bagging and containerisation of waste, shunning indiscriminate dumping, and patronising only accredited waste disposal companies (PSP Operators).