LAWMA, A Toothless Government Agency?

Is LAWMA A Toothless Agency Of The Government? People Owe So Much And Nothing Is Done To Them. We sought the opinions of Alimosho residents on the issue and they had these to say: By: Babalola Seyi Emmanuel & Tunde Gbadamosi

Blame it on the Government. - Olamide Awosika, Engineer                                                          Obviously, LAWMA/PSP is not a tooth-less bull dog. Government is to be blamed for the low performance of LAWMA/PSP operators. First and foremost, they are ill- equipped by the government of the day. If the government knows the kind of epidemic diseases that have ravaged the teeming populace because of improper waste and refuse disposal, then latest vehicles would have been available. More so, lack of good roads is another barrier to the effectiveness of the LAWMA/PSP operators. Many of these vehicles cannot even get access to the interior parts; thereby the dwellers usually litter the environment with garbage. Another major hindrances to non- performance is corruption. Government officials and the contractors are not helping the situation, by conniving in inflating the contract sums. It is absolutely absurd!

The Court is not helping. - Pastor Kunle Ogunfowokan, CEO, Corner Stone Unique Concept    I can’t really say to that, it only bothers on the fact that they are taking advantage of political climax. LAWMA has taken measures to ensure money is paid. We are yet to get to a level where the court will talk on this. LAWMA is not a toothless agency. Also, on the issue of the money people are being asked to pay to the bank whether it is convenient for them or not or rather still to pay to the LAWMA agents directly, I think that should not be allowed, thou it is permissible, but ordinarily they are to pay at the bank for the purpose of accountability to ensure fraud is reduced to minimum.

Government Should Engage In More Public Sensitization. - Mrs Olaosebikan, Trader          Like my area they are trying so much, in my area at Iju where I stay, people pay up promptly but I do believe there should be measures taken against defaulters and more so, government should do more sensitization for the people.

Service Fee is Exorbitant. - Mr Anigioro, Business Man.                                                        LAWMA are having issues with the provision of their services as a result of non- availability of access roads to the area involved. I also see the issue of service fee equally exorbitant and time of operation.

There Is Sabotage. - Mr Niyi Olufemi, Distributor                                                                                LAWMA is not a toothless agency but due to the problems and challenges encountered, it makes their efforts kind off sabotaged. I also see bad roads and unavailability of many operators.

There Is Law But No Enforcement. - Abiodun Alade, Journalist                                               There is legislation for prosecution and closure of such properties. It is the enforcement of the law that should be tightened.

Place Recycle Bins in Major Areas. - Arowolo Olasunkanmi, Lecturer                                          LAWMA is not a toothless agency. They are trying in the current capacity. The agency’s collaboration with private sector has also help in waste management in Lagos. More so, the agency recycles waste products. Thereby turning waste into wealth. This has encouraged and led to new jobs creation. LAWMA’s activities are commendable. Meanwhile, there’s need to build more recycling plants. There’s also need to strategically place recycle bins (Glass, Plastic, Nylons) in major area in communities, which will make it easily for different waste collections for further processing.

Government Know What They Are Doing. -MOSES ADEYEMI, Journalist                                     No, they are not toothless agency of the government; I guess the government is just allowing it to happen. Have you seen any LAWMA official cry out that their salary has not been paid? People are not paying well, maybe the government even wants the service to be free and the money people are asked to pay is just there for formality.

LAWMA is Non-functional - Rev Akinpelu, Clergy                                                                           The LAWMA people are non- functional, as such they still come for payment.

Remove LAWMA agent in Ajasa Command. - Mr Niyi, Supervisor Service                                      The roads are bad, the operator in my Area needs removal.  Ajasa- Command axis because there is no other competitor that is why he tends to choose random time to come for the refuse.

LAWMA Is Non-Existent. - MR WILLIAM, Teacher                                                                       LAWMA to me are non- existing, they come at odd hours when majority of the working populace must have been out. They need to reschedule the time of their coming.  Maybe 2 Thursdays in the month and last Saturday in the month. It will ease their workload.

Their Charges Are High. - Chief Fajemiokun, Civil Engineer                                                     LAWMA as a body are trying but in my area, Meiran, they have so many shortcomings. Their charges are on the high and they don’t come promptly. The roads are bad though. 

Blame Government. - Kemi Adetiba, Caterer                                                                               LAWMA is not a toothless agency, the governments are the one making the LAWMA agents not to perform their obligations in the sense that they don’t provide appropriate equipment for them to carry out their duties legally.

LAWMA Is a Replica of Today’s Government. - Owoyemi Khaleel, Journalist                                    I see LAWMA as a Replica of how our today’s government operates; they are just there because they are generally needed, they are not coordinated and lack maintenance just as our political system, all performing ceremonial function.

LAWMA Should Improve. - Mrs Olabisi, Trader                                                                         LAWMA are really doing us bad in our area. We want to see improvement in their work.

Once A Month Is Not Enough. - Mrs Alabi, Trader                                                                      LAWMA are trying but we need further improvement. Coming at month end is not enough and people within the community are complaining.