By Ranmilowo Ojalumo. -The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), in collaboration with the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) and the Mobile Police, has arrested a resident of Meiran, Lagos, for allegedly dumping waste into a drainage channel during rainfall.
The matter was disclosed by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, on Wednesday.
Gbadegesin said that the arrest followed a tip-off from members of the public, which enabled the enforcement team to respond promptly to the alleged environmental violation.
He commended those who provided the information, describing their action as a demonstration of responsible citizenship and support for efforts to protect the environment.
The LAWMA boss explained that the resident, a lady residing at No. 13, Lanre Adefiranye Street, Baale Bus Stop, Meiran, was arrested during a joint operation involving the LAWMA Enforcement Team, KAI and the Mobile Police.
He said that the resident was allegedly dumping waste into a drainage channel during rainfall and had been taken to the KAI headquarters for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.
A statement signed on Wednesday by Mukaila Sanusi, PhD, Director, Public Affairs, LAWMA, quoted the managing director saying “Members of the public have an important role to play in protecting our environment. When you see indiscriminate dumping or any other environmental violation, speak up and report it. Timely information can help us respond quickly and prevent environmental offences from becoming bigger problems,” he said.
Gbadegesin urged residents to embrace the principle of “If you see something, say something,” stressing that environmental protection was a shared responsibility requiring the active participation of communities and residents.
He reiterated LAWMA’s commitment to tackling indiscriminate waste disposal, particularly practices that obstruct drainage channels and increase environmental and flooding risks during rainfall.
The Authority urged residents to dispose of their waste through approved channels and warned against dumping in drains, stressing that such practices endanger public health, the environment and the city’s drainage infrastructure.
