Some Lagos residents on Thursday complained about the poor services of the waste managers in the metropolis.
They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that evacuation of refuse was delayed with no reason adduced by the waste collectors.
However, some who live in Surulere expressed satisfaction with their performance.
A banker, Mr Chibuzor Dike, who resides at Alakuko in Iyana Ipaja, said the waste managers were not effective and regular in evacuation of waste since the middle of the year.
``I have noticed that the waste collectors are no more effective the way they were some couple of months back.
``The refuse is so huge and this is not healthy for any community.
``They don’t come regularly as they should and they don’t bother to give reason for the delay. I suggest the new administration should take action to solve the issue,’’ Dike said.
A lawyer, Mr Kehinde Lawson, resident of Lawanson in Ikate/Itire Local Government, also complained of irregular services by the waste managers in the area.
Lawson disclosed that the waste collectors stayed away for more than three weeks before coming to evacuate accumulated refuse.
``We really don’t know what is going on in the state. Since the last dispensation, we have yet to experience good change in Lagos.
``Since Mr Ola Oresanya, the former Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) left, it had not been the same.
``We don’t have access to anyone to complain to and the local government cannot offer assistance on any issue.
``We have urged the state government to improve on collection of waste and ensure that those who are in charge are carrying out their duties to protect our environment,’’ he said.
Lawson also said that using cart pushers was not the best option in the state due to their nefarious activities of disposing refuse into drains and waterways.
However, Mrs Bassey Cobham, who lives in Surulere Local Government, commended the efforts and services of the waste managers in charge of the community.
Cobham said the waste managers were frequent in collecting waste even though they miss the stipulated day of collection.
She blamed some of the waste mangers for not having the zeal and commitment to discharge their duties in some locations.
``The Century cleaners who are in charge of my area are prompt and efficient in carrying out the services that they are paid for.
``Even if the residents don’t pay for the collection, they should carry on with their duties to encourage the residents to pay rather than abandoning their duties.
``They are duty-bound to ensure that the state is free from filth and encourage people by doing their job, I’m sure that by their performance, people will be gingered to pay for services,’’ Cobham said.
The supervisor of one of the waste managers, who pleaded anonymity, said their major challenge was lack of non-payment by the residents.
He said some managers were left with no option than to avoid such areas where the residents did not pay their bills.
``The residents are the major problem, they refuse to pay their bills and they expect us to carry their refuse free of charge.
``Most of our other colleagues in the business get loans to run their business and to pay staffs, if people refuse to pay, how do they survive?
He disclosed that at the highbrow areas, they also refuse to pay for services, adding that they had continued to appeal that such services could not be free.
The supervisor also urged residents to have an understanding by paying their bills to enable the waste managers to maintain their trucks and improve on their services.
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