FESTAC Residents Applaud LAWMA for Better Waste Management

ome residents of FESTAC Town in Lagos State have commended the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) for its prompt and effective waste collection services in the community.

The residents expressed their satisfaction in separate interviews with the Voice of the people (VOP) on Wednesday in Lagos.

They noted that before LAWMA’s consistent presence, many households depended on informal waste collectors, popularly called Abokis, to dispose of refuse. According to them, LAWMA has proven more reliable with regular pick-ups every Thursday and sometimes on Sundays.

The residents added that the agency’s services had helped curb indiscriminate dumping and reduce environmental pollution, as people were now assured of timely waste collection.

They also highlighted that LAWMA’s charges were more affordable compared to the informal collectors.

Mrs Grace Momodu, a resident of 5th Avenue, said LAWMA’s billing system was budget-friendly.
“I find LAWMA services cheaper than the Abokis because I don’t always have waste to dispose of, yet they charge high amounts. For example, they may demand as much as ₦1,000 per pick-up, while LAWMA charges ₦1,000 monthly for the same service,” she explained.

Another resident, Mrs Eniola Omotola of 22 Road, praised the agency’s affordability.
“LAWMA charges ₦1,000 monthly no matter how much waste you generate. But the Abokis charge more depending on the volume, and they can’t carry beyond their limit,” she said.

Mr Emmanuel James, another resident, stressed the convenience and wider coverage of LAWMA’s services.
“Sometimes you may need the Aboki, and they won’t be available. That’s why we prefer LAWMA. They can collect waste from an entire close, while the Abokis can’t handle that volume,” he said.

Similarly, Ms Blessed-Gift Nwaruh of 3rd Avenue acknowledged that LAWMA’s operations had improved over the years, though she urged the agency to do even more.
“In the past, our area looked very dirty. But now, LAWMA comes earlier than before. Still, more can be done to restore FESTAC Town to its former glory,” she added.