Irregular PSP collection drives Lagos residents to cart pushers
Irregular collection by Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators is pushing some Lagos residents toward informal waste collectors, in spite of concerns over illegal dumping.
Some residents, in separate interviews with newsmen on Tuesday in Lagos, said cart pushers were more responsive when called to collect household waste.
However, they expressed concern over alleged indiscriminate disposal of refuse by some cart pushers on roads, in drains and other unauthorised locations.
Lovelyn Mbah, a resident of Harmony Estate, Ikeja, said she still used PSP operators but complained that their trucks did not collect waste regularly.
“I don’t use cart pushers, I use PSP operators but their trucks don’t come regularly.
“We haven’t seen them for the past two months, my estate is looking like a homeless camp,” she said.
Mbah said the situation could push residents toward cart pushers because of their quicker response when called to collect waste.
“If PSP operators continue this way, we may end up patronising the cart pushers,” she said.
Mbah supported incorporating informal collectors into the formal waste management system, provided they were properly regulated and educated on appropriate waste disposal.
“They actually need to be incorporated, because they respond faster when called upon,” she said.
She, however, said she had witnessed some cart pushers dispose of refuse illegally, including emptying waste into drains and roads.
“Yes, that is why I don’t like to use their service,” she said, adding that not all cart pushers engaged in indiscriminate dumping.
She urged PSP operators to improve collection frequency, affordability and response to complaints.
Similarly, Kemi Agbeke, a resident along Alake-Ikotun-Idimu Road, said residents had relied on cart pushers for about three years.
“We haven’t used PSP trucks for about three years. We only use cart pushers,” Agbeke said.
She said residents in the area considered cart pushers more reliable for waste collection.
Chidimma Ogbodo, a resident of Ireku, Oworonshoki, Kosofe, also said irregular formal collection had forced residents to rely on cart pushers.
“We use cart pushers. PSP operators haven’t been here for almost three months,” she said.
Irabo, a cart pusher, said he previously collected household waste with his cart and disposed of the refuse at Olusosun dumpsite.
“I used to dump my refuse at Olusosun, but I don’t have access to the dumpsite anymore,” he said.
He said he did not know why access was withdrawn, adding that operators were chased away whenever they were seen around the disposal area.
“I don’t know why. They just chase us away from the spot whenever they see us around,” he said.
Irabo said he now went around collecting plastics and other recyclable materials after stopping household waste collection with his cart.
Arnong Edet, a resident of Eyinogun-Iyemoja axis in Mafoluku, said residents had stopped using cart pushers because of concerns over indiscriminate waste disposal.
He said he preferred PSP operators because he believed they would dispose of collected waste at designated facilities.
“These cart boys look for a gutter or, if it is raining, pour it inside the water so that it will go and block drainages,” Edet said.
However, he said the prolonged absence of PSP operators had left residents struggling with accumulated waste.
“It’s not been easy. Everywhere around the area, you see pile-up of dirt,” he said.
Edet said the waste accumulation had produced maggots and flies around his compound, affecting residents’ ability to enjoy fresh air.
“We that are upstairs can’t even receive fresh air, talk more of those that are living downstairs,” he said.
He urged LAWMA to explain why waste was allowed to remain until containers became full and began spilling into surrounding areas.
“It’s been over two months and we can’t breathe. People may start developing health issues,” Edet said.
Similarly, Maria Uchegbu, a resident of Ishola Daniel Street, Orile Oshodi, criticised cart pushers over alleged indiscriminate waste disposal.
“They dump their refuse anywhere without care, and that is bad,” Uchegbu said, pointing to a heap blocking a track road leading to her street.
She said the waste had been dumped close to a resident’s window, raising concerns about access to fresh air.
“Imagine the dirt they dumped here at someone’s window. How will the person living inside that room get fresh air?” she said.
Uchegbu urged the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to strengthen monitoring of streets to curb indiscriminate waste disposal and prevent residents from suffering its consequences.
“I think LAWMA should have a unit that monitors streets or something. It is heartbreaking,” she said.
Newsmen report that LAWMA said heavy rainfall affected access around Olusosun, slowing truck movement and causing temporary delays in waste evacuation.
LAWMA said its response included road rehabilitation, new disposal platforms, improved truck circulation and stronger evacuation logistics.
It said it was working with PSP operators, LGAs/LCDAs, private-sector partners and the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria as part of its strategic partnerships.
LAWMA also listed illegal-dumping enforcement, arrests and prosecution of environmental offenders among its compliance measures.
It said the measures formed part of its zero-tolerance approach to indiscriminate waste disposal.
LAWMA, in a statement issued in April, urged residents to use only accredited PSP operators and avoid illegal waste handlers.
The situation leaves residents weighing the convenience of informal collectors against concerns over the environmental consequences of improper waste disposal.