Akowonjo residents appeal to LASG over refuse littering area

Days after the Lagos State House of Assembly ordered the Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators to return to work, heaps of refuse still litter Akowonjo in Alimosho Local Government Area.

The development prompted the residents, who admitted that the PSP operators had returned to work in some areas to appeal to the government to ensure their area was freed of waste and the imminent health hazards.

The residents told our correspondent on Tuesday in Lagos that VisionScape, the company contracted to clear refuse in the state had failed in discharging their duties.

They also said that whenever it rained the waste would be washed into the drains, blocking flood flow and causing flooding of the area.

A resident, Mrs Favour Bassey, lamented the deplorable condition of the streets which were always littered with waste and appealed to the government to come to their aid.

“They do not pick up our waste and this has left the streets in a bad condition, blocking the drains and making everywhere filthy with a pungent smell.

“Any time it rained, since the drains are blocked the streets become flooded with waste floating everywhere. The government really needs to come to our aid,’’ she said.

Mr Richard Okafor, a civil servant who resides in the area, said that due to refuse heaps on the streets, an outbreak of an epidemic was imminent.

“The state of our environment is nothing to write home about. When the drains are blocked the water becomes stagnant, it serves as habitat for mosquitoes which causes malaria.

“With refuse all over the streets, flies are attracted which can lead to outbreak of diseases such as cholera, typhoid and food poisoning,’’ he said.

A petty trader, Ms Chinonye Okeke, said that in spite of the refuse littering the streets, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) still brought exorbitant bills every month.

“I am not happy with the state of my environment. Everywhere is irritating due to the waste littering the area in spite of the fact that we pay our bills regularly, but the company in charge hardly picks up the waste.

“Before now, I usually pay N2,000 in a month but now I pay N3,000. The dues have increased and the services are reducing, the government should come to our aid,’’ she said.

However, LAWMA could not be reached immediately to comment on the situation.

Our correspondent reports that refuse heaps are seen in the nooks and crannies, leaving Akowonjo in a sorry state.