Two workers of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) lost their lives in a tragic road accident in the Gbagada area of Lagos on Tuesday. The incident occurred when a motorist, who was trying to evade arrest by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), rammed into the sweepers at their duty post, killing them on the spot.

According to the police, the motorist, whose identity and vehicle number are yet to be disclosed, was driving against traffic and refused to stop when flagged down by the LASTMA officers. He then sped off and hit the sweepers, who were cleaning the road median. The motorist also sustained injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment.

The police said they have commenced investigation into the role of the LASTMA officers in the accident, as well as the identity and motive of the motorist. The police also appealed to the public to cooperate with the traffic authorities and obey the traffic rules and regulations.

The Lagos State government, through the Ministry of Transportation, has denied the involvement of the LASTMA officers in the accident, saying they were only performing their lawful duties. The ministry also expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them of justice.

The Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has also mourned the death of its workers, describing them as heroes who sacrificed their lives for a cleaner Lagos. The agency said it would provide support to the bereaved families and urged the public to respect and appreciate the sweepers, who work tirelessly to keep the city clean.

The road accident has sparked outrage and sympathy among the residents of Lagos, who have condemned the reckless driving and called for stricter enforcement of traffic laws. Some residents have also commended the efforts of the LAWMA and LASTMA workers, who face various risks and challenges in their daily operations.

The road accident has also highlighted the need for improved road safety and awareness in Lagos, which is notorious for its traffic congestion and frequent crashes. According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos recorded 128 deaths from 376 road accidents between January and October 2023. The FRSC attributed most of the accidents to speeding, overloading, and operational irresponsibility.

The FRSC, in collaboration with other stakeholders, has launched a campaign to sensitize the public on the dangers of speeding and the importance of driving responsibly. The campaign, themed “Speed Thrills but Kills”, aims to reduce the rate of road accidents and fatalities in Lagos and across the country.

The campaign also urges the public to adopt the habit of recycling waste items, as part of the Cleaner Lagos Initiative, which seeks to improve the environment and the health of the people. The initiative has improved the business of private waste management companies and created employment opportunities for many youths.

The Lagos State government has also embarked on various projects and policies to improve the transportation system and ease the traffic situation in the state. Some of these include the construction and rehabilitation of roads and bridges, the expansion of the bus rapid transit (BRT) system, the development of the rail and water transportation modes, and the introduction of the Lagos Transport Sector Reformed Law of 2018.

The Lagos State government has assured the public that it is committed to making Lagos a safe, clean, and livable city for all. It has also called on the public to support its efforts and cooperate with the relevant agencies to achieve this goal.

Source: [The Guardian]