The Lagos state government through the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) is leveraging private sector partnership for effective and efficient waste management in the built industry in Lagos State.
Tokunbo Wahab, commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Lagos State, said there is urgent need for collaborative action with all stakeholders in the built industry to curb the increasing environmental impact of construction, demolition and disaster waste (CDDW) in Lagos.
“Waste is inevitable with growing urban populations and human activities, but how we manage this waste determines whether we build a sustainable future or become overwhelmed by it,” said Wahab, who was represented by Ade Oye Babajide.
He made this known during a one-day stakeholders’ forum on CDDW management, where he called on construction firms, property managers and other key players in the built environment to support the state’s efforts in addressing the growing challenge of construction waste.
Themed ‘Building Responsibly and Driving Efficiency: Strengthening Stakeholder Collaboration in Construction, Demolition and Disaster Waste Management in Lagos State.’
Wahab urged stakeholders to prioritize waste reduction from the planning phase of construction projects, promote recycling and reuse, and ensure proper disposal of residual waste.
Tijani Ajibola, guest speaker, decry the lack of available data on construction waste, and advocated for effective management of CDDW through stronger enforcement of policies and increased awareness among stakeholders.
He urged construction companies to embrace recycling, noting that many materials typically discarded such as cement bags, iron rods, wood, and broken blocks could be repurposed to create jobs and reduce poverty.
Muyiwa Gbadegesin, managing director/CEO, LAWMA, in his welcome address called for stronger partnerships with developers and property managers to reduce indiscriminate dumping and promote eco-friendly practices.
He urged stakeholders to fully comply with existing policies, highlighting that over 50 percent of waste generated in Lagos originates from construction sites.
“The objective of this forum is to brainstorm on how to reduce, recycle, and properly dispose of construction waste across the state,” said Gbadegesin, who was represented by Kunle Adebiyi, executive director, LAWMA.
Akin Alabi, general manager, WasteCare Solutions, said the company is partneeing with LAWMA, and has the sole responsibility of CDDW management accross Lagos.
According to him, the partnership will ensure that all stakeholders in the built industty, developers, private and corporate individuals handle construction waste properly.
