Residents of the Abule Taylor area in Lagos State have raised concerns over a worsening waste management crisis following the prolonged absence of Private Sector Participants (PSP) responsible for refuse evacuation.
In interviews conducted along Obabunmi Thomas Street, Dada Olowu Street, Abiodun Aina Street, and other parts of the community, residents lamented the inefficiency and eventual disappearance of PSP operators, who had previously serviced the area but later withdrew without explanation. With heaps of refuse now accumulating across the neighborhood, fears are growing over potential health hazards and environmental risks, particularly with the rainy season fast approaching.
“There’s an urgent need for the PSP operators to return before the rains begin. Otherwise, the drainage system will be blocked as soon as the rains start,” said Adebowale Olusola, a resident. “We have complained repeatedly about the PSP’s absence in our neighborhood, but there has been no positive response.”
Olusola explained that community development associations (CDAs) have made several efforts to restore PSP operations, but the operators cite the inaccessibility of the streets as a major challenge. “We don’t understand this excuse. Residents with cars can navigate the roads without difficulty, and payments were made regularly when the PSP was operational,” he added. He appealed to the Ministry of Environment and the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) for urgent intervention.
Compounding the issue, residents reported that the front of a Redeemed Christian Church located at the Abule Taylor bus stop has become an illegal dumpsite. Despite efforts by the church, including fencing the area and stationing security personnel, passersby continue to dump refuse indiscriminately.
A representative of the church expressed deep frustration, noting that the illegal dumping not only defaces the place of worship but also worsens environmental degradation and heightens public health risks.
Both residents and church officials are now calling on LAWMA and the relevant PSP operators to urgently resume waste evacuation services. They warn that without immediate intervention, the area could face severe flooding and a looming public health emergency.
The growing dissatisfaction among residents highlights the urgent need for a more responsive and inclusive waste management strategy in Lagos, particularly in underserved inner-city communities where infrastructure challenges persist.