Lagos State Wastewater Management Office Engages Estate Residents on Sanitation and Public Health
The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) has hosted a stakeholder engagement forum with estate residents and community leaders to address sanitation challenges and promote proper wastewater management.
Themed “Environmental and Health Impacts of Untreated Wastewater and Faecal Sludge Discharge in Lagos Estates”, the event provided an interactive platform to discuss best practices for maintaining a clean and sustainable environment.
Representing the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, Special Adviser Engr. Olakunle Rotimi Akodu emphasized the urgent need for proper sanitation practices in both public and private estates.
“As Lagos continues to evolve as a global economic hub, the rapid urbanization trend has led to significant sanitation challenges. Despite government investments, many communities still engage in unhealthy wastewater disposal, endangering public health and environmental sustainability,” he noted.
The General Manager of LSWMO, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi, assured residents that the state government remains committed to improving wastewater management but stressed the importance of community involvement.
“The success of wastewater management depends on active participation. We need collaborative efforts from residents, estate managers, and stakeholders to ensure compliance with environmental regulations,” Afolabi said.
Keynote speaker, Prof. Isaiah Akoteyon, Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Lagos State University, highlighted the health and environmental risks of untreated wastewater disposal.
The forum concluded with stakeholders agreeing on actionable plans, including:
• Strengthening partnerships with LSWMO to enhance estate sanitation standards
• Raising public awareness on proper wastewater disposal
• Ensuring compliance with Lagos State’s environmental policies
This initiative aligns with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s vision for a cleaner, healthier Lagos, ensuring that residents play an active role in promoting environmental sustainability.
