The Ogun State Chapter of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN) has warned of an impending waste disposal crisis, citing the growing challenges that threaten the viability of waste management services across the state.

The association claimed that rising operational expenses, persistent delays in payments and the policies it considers unfavourable are placing significant pressure on operators and undermining the sustainability of waste evacuation activities.

In a statement by the state chairman of the association, Jolaoluwa Emmanuel Gbenga, AWAMN said the challenges facing waste management operators have been worsened by certain policies and administrative actions of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA).

It noted that these measures have placed many operators under severe financial strain, forcing some to shut down their businesses altogether.

AWAMN also voiced serious concern over the recurring delays in the payment of approved waste management invoices. It stated that when payments are eventually released, operators often receive only a fraction of the amounts owed – typically between 25 and 50 per cent.

According to the association, the situation has pushed many waste managers into debt and made it increasingly difficult for them to service equipment, pay staff salaries, purchase diesel, and maintain effective waste collection and disposal services.

AWAMN therefore called for an immediate review of the current payment system to ensure the prompt and full settlement of approved invoices, stressing that the existing arrangement is unsustainable and poses a serious threat to effective waste management in the state.

The association also criticised the existing 45 per cent deduction from industrial waste revenue, describing it as excessive and unjustifiable in the face of prevailing economic realities and rising operational costs. According to the statement, the deduction places an unbearable burden on operators and undermines the viability of their businesses.

AWAMN consequently urged the state government to review the deduction rate downward to a maximum of 20 per cent in order to reflect current economic conditions and enable operators to remain productive and financially sustainable.

The association further lamented the astronomical increase in the cost of diesel, noting that the situation has significantly affected the ability of waste managers to effectively discharge their responsibilities, thereby threatening environmental sanitation across Ogun State.

To address these challenges, AWAMN appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to fulfil his earlier promise to facilitate the acquisition of waste compactors for waste managers in the state, noting that access to modern equipment would greatly enhance operational efficiency and improve waste evacuation services.

The association also requested the establishment of a Special Support Fund (SSF) to cushion the impact of rising diesel prices and other maintenance costs on operators.

While reaffirming its commitment to maintaining a clean, healthy, and environmentally sustainable Ogun State, AWAMN warned that failure to urgently address the challenges confronting the sector could lead to a major disruption in waste evacuation services, with far-reaching environmental and public health consequences.

The association therefore called on Governor Abiodun to intervene without delay by engaging relevant stakeholders, review existing policies, and implement practical measures that will strengthen the waste management sector and safeguard the health and well-being of residents across the state. (Guardian)