Lagos street sweepers share stories of mistreatment and neglect
Street sweepers working for the Lagos Waste Management Authority say they face daily harassment, discrimination, and unsafe conditions while keeping the city clean. On a recent episode of The Morayo Show, several sweepers recounted being verbally abused and threatened by motorists, residents, and traders. Muyiwa Gbadegeshin, the agency’s Managing Director, acknowledged these challenges and outlined steps the government is taking to improve their welfare. The episode shed light on the physical and social difficulties endured by these essential workers.
What happened
- Kafilat and other sweepers described frequent confrontations with motorists and residents who dump refuse on already cleaned roads and threaten them when corrected.
- Olatitoye Adeola and Taiwo Ologunro highlighted issues like repeated littering, open defecation, and having to clean hazardous waste, including ritual items and dead animals.
- Victoria Bamgbose and Fatimo Akinduro spoke about harassment from hoodlums, roadside sellers, and the emotional toll of their work, including stigma at hospitals.
- Kehinde Ajibade noted that while payment is generally satisfactory, access to healthcare and emergency assistance remains a challenge.
- Muyiwa Gbadegeshin said the Lagos State Government has approved health insurance for all sweepers, is increasing enforcement against illegal dumping, and is deploying CCTV cameras to improve road safety for workers.
