In a bid to ensure a cleaner Lagos, sustainable environment and protect public health, the Lagos State Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, has held a one day stakeholders forum on Construction, Demolition and Disaster Waste, ( CDDW) Management.
Managing Director/CEO LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the objective of the forum was to brainstorm on how to reduce, recycle and dispose waste generated from construction sites across the state.
Dr Gbadegesin who was represented by LAWMA Executive Director, Mr Kunle Adebiyi, emphasized the need for partnership and collaboration with those in the built sector to prevent littering of the state with waste generated from site, noting that fifty percent of wastes in Lagos are from construction sites.
He called on Property Managers and Construction Companies to key into the various policies of the state government to ensure efficient disposal, while advancing sustainable waste management practices in Lagos State.
Speaking at a one-day stakeholders’ forum on CDDW management, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, stressed the urgent need for collaborative action to curb the environmental impact of increasing construction activities in Lagos.
Mr Wahab emphasized that as Lagos continues to urbanize rapidly, the adoption of responsible building practices and circular economy principles is crucial.
He urged stakeholders to prioritize waste reduction from the planning phase of construction projects, promote recycling and reuse, and ensure proper disposal of residual waste.“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,” Wahab said.
He warned that the state would not hesitate to sanction defaulters who violate environmental regulations, including the sealing of project sites and imposition of fines.
The Guest Speaker who is a Civil Engineer, Dr Tijani Ajibola spoke on bridging the gap between policies and practice: strengthening compliance in CDDW Management harped on aggressive awareness, advocacy and enforcement of government policies to achieve the feat.
Dr Ajibola encouraged stakeholders in the built sector to embrace recycling by turning waste into wealth, noting that most waste from sites like cement bags, iron rods, broken blocks and tiles, woods are all useful materials to create employment and reduce poverty in line with SDG goal.
Stakeholders at the forum promised to support the CDDW Management, comply with relevant policies, regulations, and best practices, prioritize sustainable waste management, reduce environmental impact, and promote responsible practices, to drive innovation and excellence in waste management.
The theme of the event was “Building Responsibly and Driving Efficiency: Strengthening Stakeholder Collaboration in Construction, Demolition and Disaster Waste Management in Lagos State”, brought together industry leaders, environmental experts, and government officials.
Reporting by Yemisi Dada