Waste is not the enemy; poor planning is… A city that keeps dumping waste will soon be buried by neglect… Until Lagos moves from waste disposal to waste transformation, Olusosun will remain a monument to postponed promises.
PLEASE, meet today’s distinguished guest:
Chief Olusosun Landfill.
Yes, the same Olusosun that has been “about to be shut down” for so many years that even the refuse inside it must now have grandchildren.
We were told it would be closed.
We were told it would be relocated.
We were told it would become a golf course.
Olusosun heard everything, smiled, adjusted its mountain of refuse and said:
“Please wake me up when the bulldozers arrive.”
Many years ago, it erupted in dark toxic smoke that enveloped Oregun, Magodo and surrounding areas for days. The smoke cleared, but sadly, the lessons also cleared.
Today, the landfill remains, and even the roads leading to it are now in disgrace. Refuse compactors struggle to discharge waste. Communities wait for collection. Dustbins overflow. Flies hold meetings. Rats expand territory. The fear of epidemic knocks at the gate.
Meanwhile, other cities are turning waste into wealth. Plastics become products. Food waste becomes compost. Waste becomes resource.
Here, we are still asking:
“When will LAWMA come?”
This campaign season, citizens must ask politicians: What is your waste management plan? What is your real plan for Olusosun?
Moral of the Satire
– Waste is not the enemy; poor planning is.
– A city that keeps dumping waste will soon be buried by neglect.
– Until Lagos moves from waste disposal to waste transformation, Olusosun will remain a monument to postponed promises.
