Lagos Court Orders Environmental Offenders To Clean Roads, Pay Fines

Eko Hot Blog reports that an Ikoyi magistrate’s court, on Thursday, imposed ₦30,000 fines on 25 persons, with an option of community service, for acts of indiscriminate waste disposal, at different locations in the state.

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) revealed the development in a statement.

The agency said the community service took place on Thursday at General Hospital Odan, Lagos Island and Maryland bus stop.

“The environmental offenders were caught dumping their waste in unauthorised locations, by the enforcement team of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC),” the statement reads.

“Let us desist from illegal dumping of waste or face the wrath of law if caught. The zero tolerance on indiscriminate dumping, is not limited to markets alone, but cuts across every individual and entity.

“For waste management related issues in your area, call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 07080601020 and 617,” LAWMA added.

The court sentencing came only days after 26 persons were sentenced to community service or option of a fine, by same magistrate’s court, for engaging in indiscriminate waste disposal.

Commenting on the previous judgement, Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said that the ongoing joint enforcement action by the authority had been intensified, in line with the zero-tolerance policy of the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

“The era of recklessness and disdain for the environment is over. Anyone caught under whatever guise will be made to face the wrath of the law. The exercise is a continuous one,” he said.

He urged residents to support efforts made to sanitise the environment, by shunning acts of reckless waste disposal, having waste receptacles at home, and patronising only accredited PSP operators, warning that there would be no hiding place for defaulters.