The Lagos Waste Management Authority has revealed that the state government has made significant plans to decommission the Olusosun dumpsite located in the Ojota area, noting that it is a major move aimed at addressing the longstanding environmental and health concerns associated with the site.

This was disclosed to our correspondent by the Director of Public Affairs, LAWMA, Sade Kadiri, in a chat on Monday.

Kadiri said the decommissioning would pave the way for advanced waste treatment initiatives that were expected to transform waste management 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.

She also reiterated that no cholera case had been recorded at the Olusosun site or any other designated disposal facilities across the state. However, she said that to mitigate potential risks, LAWMA had initiated comprehensive sensitisation programmes for its operatives and waste pickers, emphasising the importance of good hygiene and sanitary conditions.

“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).