Scavengers Seek Govt Assistance

Scavengers along Oko-filling dump site phase 3 in Igando, Lagos, southwest Nigeria, have called the state government to rescue them from the hands of some people they call dump site managers in the area who have subjected them to extortion, harassment and intimidation.

The scavengers, during a peaceful protest, alleged that some officials of Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA), have abandoned their legitimate official responsibilities of waste control and management and turned extortionists.

They alleged that before now, they were paying N20 per scavenger to eke a living on the dump site, adding that their levy was suddenly increased to N100, while those who cannot meet up were being chased out.

According to the Igando Scavengers and Cart Pushers Association (ISCAPAL), “our efforts to earn a living through scavenging of waste for recycling is under incessant threats, intimidation, harassment and extortion. The dump site managers suddenly increased our N20 daily levy to N100, while we have over 500 scavengers working on the dump site.

“They are making life unbearable for us, who are underprivileged and law abiding citizens of this country. They chased us out of the dump site and it took the intervention of the comtroller of dump sites in the state, Mr. Adeboye, before the decision could be reversed. He made us realise that LAWMA has no hand in the illegal levies imposed on us.”

The scavengers appealed to the governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola and LAWMA’s boss, Mr. Ola Oresanya, to come to their aid.

— Jamiu Yisa