Expert advocates for more resilient policies to minimize waste, reduce consumption, promote renewable energy sources
An academic don, Dr. Adesina Emmanuel Aladeloba said that one of the key concerns of the Waste Management in Lagos, is the state’s growing population which is expected to drive demand for housing and in turn; inform an increase in the quantum of waste generated.
Aladeloba stated that the government’s efforts to promote home ownership through various initiatives, such as the National Housing Fund is also expected to boost the generation of waste ironically, hence the need for proper Waste Management.
Aladeloba, who is the Chief Lecturer/Dean, School of Environment Studies Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, dropped this hint during his presentation at the Annual Lecture and Awards of the Property & Environment Writers Association of Nigeria (PEWAN) on the sub-theme: “Sustainability in Modern Housing and Urban Development”.
He described sustainability as the practice of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, adding that it aims to create a more resilient and equitable world through practices that minimize waste, reduce consumption, and promote renewable energy sources.
Aladeloba highlighted that the Process of Waste Management would require the involvement of ‘relevant’ stakeholders – urban/rural dwellers from whom the wastes are generated; Governments whose responsibility is to ensure safe and hygienic environments, the contractors who are Private Sector Participants/Operators; expected to generate income from waste disposals – in the application and practice of Waste Management without which same will become all-comers affairs, that is, not regulated.
He affirmed that this definitely is a recipe for a chaotic atmosphere, where no individual or organization will be interested in pumping funds into such activity; knowing the possibility of realizing any return on investment (ROI) is very slim.
He noted that the “Cleaner Lagos Initiative” which is a Lagos State Government’s development agenda, aimed at actively promoting a cleaner and more sustainable environment through an improved waste collection and disposal process which promotes recycling and waste-to-wealth opportunities.
According to him, sustainability is about “Living in a way that preserves the planet’s natural resources and ensures a healthy and thriving environment for future generations.
“Conserving natural resources, reducing pollution, and protecting ecosystems (Environmental Sustainability).
“Promoting social equity, justice, and human well-being (Social Sustainability).
“Ensuring economic growth and development while minimizing negative environmental and social impacts (Economic Sustainability).”
He listed the key trends and features that make homes more sustainable to include: “Eco-Friendly Homes: These homes use solar panels, natural ventilation, and locally sourced materials like bamboo for roofing and palm wood for flooring to reduce environmental impact.
“Green Architecture: Modern house designs in Nigeria are incorporating eco-friendly features, such as energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials, to minimize their carbon footprint.
“Sustainable Interior Design: Interior design styles like Modern Organic and Sustainable and Eco-Conscious Designs are gaining popularity, emphasizing natural elements, neutral color palettes, and energy-efficient solutions.”
He mulled the use of sustainable building materials such as locally sourced materials like mud, bamboo, and palm wood that can reduce transportation costs and support local economies.
He added recycled materials by repurposing shipping containers as homes as another innovative approach to sustainable building.
Aladeloba harped on the need for sustainable goals to promote a greener and safer environment by using features such as “Solar Panels: Harnessing solar energy to power homes and reduce reliance on traditional energy sources.
“Smart Home Technology: Integrating smart home systems that optimize energy consumption, security, and convenience.
“Natural Ventilation: Designing homes to maximize natural ventilation, reducing the need for air conditioning and heating.”
He listed some of the benefits of sustainable housing to include: “Reduced Energy Consumption: Sustainable homes can significantly reduce energy consumption, lowering utility bills and minimizing environmental impact.
“Increased Property Value: Eco-friendly homes can command higher property values and attract buyers who prioritize sustainability.
“Improved Quality of Life: Sustainable homes can provide healthier living spaces, improving occupants’ overall well-being and quality of life.”
He also outlined the key players in waste management to include: “Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA): is responsible for coordinating waste management efforts, licensing and regulating waste collection and disposal activities, and managing dumpsites.
“Private Sector Participants (PSPs): play a significant role in waste collection, especially in residential areas. However, their roles have been curtailed under the new “Cleaner Lagos Initiative”, with larger private companies like Visionscape taking over city-wide waste collection.
“Informal Sector: The informal sector, comprising scavengers and waste pickers, has historically driven commercial recycling in Lagos. However, their activities have been impacted by the privatization of dumpsites and the introduction of new regulations.”
He pointed out that the privatization of dumpsites has led to concerns about job losses and reduced income opportunities for informal waste workers.
He disclosed that the regulatory framework governing waste management in Lagos is still evolving, with ongoing efforts to improve the sector’s efficiency and sustainability, while the “Cleaner Lagos Initiative” aims to promote sustainable waste management practices, including recycling and waste-to-wealth opportunities.
He highlighted the role of private sector operators such as Visionscape, a private waste management company, that has been contracted to manage city-wide waste collection, with plans to use innovative technologies like auto rickshaws and barges to reach hard-to-reach communities.
He mentioned Revive, which is another private company that has taken over the management of the Olusosun dumpsite, introducing new systems for waste management and recycling.
The expert emphasized that despite facing challenges, the waste management process in Lagos has shown resilience, as evidenced by its recovery from the ever overwhelming surge in the volume of waste being generated, especially at the market places and during festival periods.
He stated further that the injection of policies which encourages involvement of Private Sector Participation is an acknowledgement of the fact that Government alone cannot handle Lagos waste.
Buildings, according to him, are said to contribute to one-third of total greenhouse gas emissions, so, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to near-zero, is particularly relevant.
“There is a positive relationship between buildings with sustainable features and their greenhouse gas emissions, as such buildings cost less to maintain (Lovell and Keeping, 2021),” he added.
Sustainable development, he said helps in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which are responsible for climate change, hence this is a significant consideration for all stakeholders involved in the property development process, not only due to its environmental implications but also its social and economic aspects (Rattana prichavej, 2020; Isaac et al., 2016).
He stressed that taking a cursory look at the mounting refuse dumps at sites, the constantly increasing population of Lagos state, application of effective means of addressing the same, will certainly result in sustainable growth and development.
Additionally, he said, as the urban centres experience rapid growth in population, the importance of sound regulations and laws for waste collection and disposal becomes evident and the same cannot be over-emphasized.
“Though many regulations and laws have already been put in place, and most of these laws have a direct impact on the waste management practices, there is need for new enactments and the strengthening of existing regulations in various aspects and in all jurisdictions, regardless of the existing common development planning and control laws.
“These must include regulations, sustainability measures, occupiers’ well-being, environmental regulations, and land and property registration,” Aladeloba concluded.