Motorists and residents in the Alimosho Local Government area of Lagos State have voiced their concerns regarding the deteriorating condition of waste collection trucks operating in the region. These stationary trucks, commonly referred to as PSP trucks, are reportedly breaking down indiscriminately on local roads, leading to traffic congestion and safety hazards.
According to various motorists interviewed by News Reports, when these trucks experience mechanical issues, they are often abandoned by their drivers, further exacerbating the challenges faced by road users. Dehinde Olawala, one of the concerned motorists, emphasized the persistence of this problem, stating that the trucks frequently remain in disrepair on the road for days.
Olawala shared, “The issue of the PSP trucks breaking down on the roads in this area is becoming too much. I stay along the Isheri-Igando road, an area typically free from traffic congestion. However, whenever these trucks break down, traffic begins to build up along the road, causing significant delays due to the limited two-lane road capacity. It’s clear that most of the trucks are not in good condition. What’s even more concerning is the delayed response to fix these trucks when they become faulty; the drivers often leave them stranded on the roadside.”
Another motorist, identified as Charles, highlighted a safety concern, explaining that many of these faulty trucks do not display C-caution signs when they break down. He shared a personal experience, recounting a near-accident while driving along the Egbeda-Idimu area at night due to a lack of warning signs. Charles urged truck operators to take greater responsibility for keeping their vehicles in proper working order and using caution signs to prevent accidents.
Most of the problematic trucks are under contract with the state government through the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). Additionally, the presence of a dumpsite at the Oko filling area in the community has contributed to the high frequency of these trucks on local roads.
Residents and business owners in the area have expressed their distress over the foul odor emanating from these malfunctioning trucks. Gbenga Omotosho, the state Commissioner for Information, encouraged residents to report such incidents to the appropriate authorities. He emphasized that LAWMA has efficient trucks at its disposal, and the trucks in question belong to private individuals. Residents are urged to contact LAWMA or LASTMA in the event of a breakdown to facilitate the swift removal of these troublesome trucks from the roads.
