Residents of Meiran community in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State are raising alarm over an alleged abandonment of waste collection duties by their designated Private Sector Participant (PSP), warning that the situation could trigger a public health crisis as the rainy season approaches.
Findings by our correspondent revealed that the last time the PSP contractor evacuated refuse in the area was November 6, 2025, more than three months ago. Since then, residents say they have received no notice, explanation, or communication from the operator.
Today, heaps of uncollected waste line streets and residential areas across Meiran, emitting a foul stench and attracting flies, rodents, and other disease-carrying pests.
A resident, Olawale Kolaru, described the situation as “dangerous and unacceptable.” “The whole area is dirty and stinking. Since November 6, they have not come once. No messages, no warning, nothing. We are left to live with refuse around our homes,” he said.
Kolaru added that repeated attempts to alert the Lagos State Ministry of Environment have been unsuccessful, as emails sent to addresses believed to belong to the ministry repeatedly bounced back as invalid. “I tried reporting officially, but the emails were not going through. Every ministry email I got was invalid. Meanwhile, we are being exposed to serious health risks,” he lamented.
Residents fear that prolonged exposure to unmanaged waste could lead to outbreaks of diseases such as Lassa fever, cholera, and typhoid, especially with rodents now commonly seen around refuse dumps.
Public health experts have long warned that poor waste management creates ideal conditions for the spread of infectious diseases, particularly in densely populated areas like Alimosho, one of Lagos State’s most populous local governments.
Despite the Lagos State Government’s repeated assurances of its commitment to environmental sanitation and public health, residents say the absence of effective oversight of PSP operators continues to undermine those efforts.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment for comments were unsuccessful.
Residents are now calling on the ministry and the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to urgently intervene, sanction defaulting PSP operators, and restore regular waste evacuation in Meiran before the situation escalates into a full-blown health emergency
