Lagos revives dumpsites, targets 3,000 compactor trucks to tackle waste evacuation challenges

Lagos authorities have announced plans to revive key dumpsites and expand their waste collection fleet to address growing challenges in waste evacuation. The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) confirmed that ongoing rehabilitation of the Olusosun disposal facility in Ojota will restore efficient waste transport operations, with the goal of acquiring 3,000 compactor trucks over the next three years. The move comes amid reports of delayed waste removal due to road closures and insufficient vehicle numbers. The rehabilitation of Road E at the Olusosun site, which had previously been closed for conversion into a waste-to-clean-energy plant, is underway under the supervision of Zoomlion Nigeria, as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives. The project aims to improve access for waste collection vehicles and streamline the evacuation process. Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director of LAWMA, visited the site recently to oversee progress and emphasized that the improvements would significantly reduce turnaround times and enhance overall efficiency. Heavy rainfall in recent weeks has contributed to the slowdown in waste transport, as access roads to the facility became impassable. This has led to temporary disruptions in waste evacuation in several parts of the city. Gbadegesin acknowledged these challenges but stressed that the rehabilitation work would resolve them. He noted that the Olusosun facility processes approximately 10,000 metric tonnes of municipal solid waste daily, making it one of the largest such sites in Africa. Despite plans to eventually decommission the Olusosun facility, Gbadegesin assured residents that the transition would be gradual and well-managed to prevent service interruptions. The authority is developing alternative infrastructure, including two modern Transfer Loading Stations (TLS) at Olusosun and Solous III. Each TLS is expected to handle up to 2,500 metric tonnes of waste per day, thereby boosting Lagos' waste-handling capacity and optimizing transportation routes. In addition to the TLS projects, LAWMA is constructing more dumping platforms within the Olusosun facility to alleviate congestion and improve operational flow until the new stations are completed. These measures aim to ensure smoother waste processing while maintaining public health standards. Regarding the acquisition of compactor trucks, Gbadegesin revealed that the state government has finalized plans to procure 3,000 units of varying sizes. About 150 new compactors, including models suitable for narrow streets and remote neighborhoods, are set to arrive by year-end. Currently, Lagos operates around 2,000 compactor trucks, which officials say is insufficient to meet daily waste demands. The expanded fleet is intended to improve service quality and support private sector participants in waste management. The modern TLS model is also being rolled out across the state to reduce haulage distances, lower transportation costs, and encourage sustainable waste management practices. Gbadegesin highlighted that this approach aligns with broader goals of modernizing waste infrastructure and promoting environmental sustainability. Residents have been urged to exercise patience as the current challenges are viewed as temporary. Gbadegesin reiterated that the combination of infrastructure upgrades and increased vehicle availability should lead to improved waste evacuation services in the coming months. The success of these initiatives will depend on continued investment, effective coordination among stakeholders, and community cooperation. As the rehabilitation and procurement programs proceed, Lagos aims to establish a more resilient and efficient waste management system capable of meeting the city's evolving needs.