Lagos begins cleanup at Oshodi following report

The Lagos Waste Management Authority has started clearing the piles of refuse around the Oshodi Bus Terminal. This follows a report by PUNCH Metro.

Our reporter noted on Wednesday that despite Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's order for immediate waste removal across Lagos, Oshodi still had piles of garbage in some areas.

Residents, traders, and commuters complained about the bad smell and the health risks it posed.

On a follow-up visit on Thursday, our reporters saw LAWMA trucks and waste containers in the area, with most of the refuse already cleared.

Traffic flow had improved a lot, and the terrible smell that filled the area had reduced, though some waste was still left as of the visit.

A trader at Oshodi Market, Adeoye, shared that the cleanup had reached her part of the market. She mentioned that officials worked from Tuesday night into the morning.

"They packed the refuse in front of my shop this morning. I think they are waiting for another truck to remove the remaining heap. Because it is the rainy season, they don’t have anywhere to keep the waste.

"The officials were here throughout yesterday till this morning. They actually started the evacuation on Tuesday night," she said.

Another resident, Tobe, praised the agency for their efforts and hoped the remaining refuse would also be cleared soon.

"They have been here. Thank God. They removed one large heap this morning (Thursday), and they are still trying. I don’t know about other places, but they have really tried for us here in Oshodi this week. You can even see one of their trucks here. Before tomorrow, I believe they will remove another heap," he said.

Trader Mr. Ayeni thanked LAWMA for listening to residents’ complaints. He said the area had improved a lot.

"They have started packing the refuse. They came yesterday, and I saw one of their trucks when I opened my shop. We want to thank LAWMA for the good job. At least it is much better now. Last week was terrible. I just hope they continue coming so the place remains clean," he said.

Another resident, Okechukwu, said the cleanup had been going on for two days now, with heavy equipment used to clear the waste.

"One of the caterpillars is working over there, and it’s been here since Tuesday. One of their trucks was filled and left. I believe they will continue working till evening and finish up today. Maybe the complaints they received made them respond quickly," he said.

Silas described the cleanup as a positive step, saying that residents were starting to enjoy a cleaner environment.

"They are trying their best. They came on Tuesday, and now only this small heap is left. Everybody wants to stay in a clean environment. Since they started clearing the refuse, we have been feeling much better. If they remove the remaining heap today, the place will be much cleaner than before," he said.

In a phone interview on Thursday, the Managing Director of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the cleanup was still ongoing. He noted that a large amount of the waste had already been cleared.

"LAWMA’s intervention at the Oshodi Bus Terminal is still ongoing. As you rightly observed, a substantial volume of the accumulated waste has already been evacuated, while clearance of the remaining areas is continuing.

"Dedicated operational teams are currently working at the site, with the evacuation expected to be completed later today, subject to operational conditions.

"Beyond the ongoing clean-up, LAWMA is also working with relevant stakeholders to strengthen waste management around the terminal and prevent a recurrence through improved monitoring, regular evacuation and stricter compliance with approved waste disposal practices," he said.

He urged residents to cooperate with the agency, adding that "authority remains committed to restoring and maintaining a clean, safe and sanitary environment at the Oshodi Bus Terminal."