The Lagos State government has organised a stakeholders’ forum on construction, demolition and disaster waste (CDDW) management with a commitment to strengthening sustainable waste management practices.
The forum organised by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), in conjunction with Wastecare Solutions, brought together key players in the construction and environment sectors to discuss strategies for managing the rising volume of waste generated from building activities and disaster incidents.
The theme of the event is “Building Responsibly and Driving Efficiency: Strengthening Stakeholder Collaboration in Construction, Demolition and Disaster Waste Management in Lagos State”.
In his keynote address, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said the forum was designed to harness ideas that would enhance environmental sustainability, safety, and liveability.
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The commissioner, who was represented by Mr. Adeoye Babajide, noted that the global shift towards circular economy principles required deliberate efforts to minimise waste, maximise resource utilisation, and ensure recycling and reuse, stressing that Lagos, with its growing population and human activities, could not afford to be submerged in unmanaged waste.
He said, “The theme is critical, timely and a calculated step aimed at harnessing approaches to construction and demolition waste management, focusing on sustainability and environmental safety.”
He explained that the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) had moved beyond conventional collection and disposal methods by promoting responsible building practices that emphasised reduction, reuse, and recycling.
The Commissioner, however, charged stakeholders in the construction sector to adhere strictly to government regulations on waste handling, recycling, and disposal, warning that non-compliance could result in penalties, including the sealing of project sites.
Sustaining partnership
In his remark, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, represented by the Executive Director, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, stressed that partnership was key in achieving the goal of establishing a sustainable environment.
According to him, “Lagos thrives on collaboration and partnerships. This has been the foundation of our progress, and even the THEMES Plus Agenda, which guides the current administration, is built entirely on the principle of working together. Through partnerships and coordinated efforts, we can achieve sustainable development and better outcomes for our communities.”
Bridging the Gap
The guest speaker, Dr. Tijani Ajibola, walked participants through the processes involved in construction, demolition, and disaster waste management, stressing that the world is a shared and valuable space, which must be preserved responsibly for the benefit of future generations.