Making construction and demolition debris attractive to Nigerians

Waste is nothing but dirt. Yet, some Nigerians eke their living from waste. Notwithstanding what these individuals currently generate from waste, experts say more money can still be made out of waste, especially if such belongs to what is now known as Construction and Demolition Debris (C&DD).According to experts, C and DD are materials resulting […]

Waste is nothing but dirt. Yet, some Nigerians eke their living from waste. Notwithstanding what these individuals currently generate from waste, experts say more money can still be made out of waste, especially if such belongs to what is now known as Construction and Demolition Debris (C&DD).
According to experts, C and DD are materials resulting from the construction or demolition of man-made structures but do not include any material that is hazardous, infectious, or material removed from the structure prior to the demolition. C and DD also does not include any solid wastes other than specifically allowed in law and rule.
Building materials such as: rock, wall covering, electrical wiring and component that do not contain hazardous substances, roofing shingles and other roof coverings, plumbing fixtures, non-asbestos insulation, plastic that do not conceal waste, glass, reclaimed asphalt pavement, among others, are said to be qualified as C and CD.
More importantly is the fact that C and DD can be reused, recycled or disposed. However, the money-spinning angle to C and CD is one that remains unpopular with many Nigerians and this, experts say, cannot be unconnected with ineffective awareness campaign, and proper regulatory framework that could make it attractive to many who only take passing interest in waste management business.
Perhaps, it was this development that spurred that Growth and Employments in States (GEMS II), a development programme funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), which is being managed by World Bank, and implemented by Coffey International Development Ltd said it is partnering with the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) on the need to raise awareness about C and DD and how its effective management can generate employment and ultimately reduce poverty.
At a briefing attended by officials of LAWMA, GEMS II and a renowned Waste Management Facilitator and former President of the US C&D Recyclers Association, Thomas Roberts in Lagos, stakeholders expressed their resolve to develop a policy framework for Construction and Demolition Debris (CDM) Waste Management System in Lagos State.
“Although, one is impressed with level of work being done by LAWMA, yet there is growing concern about lost in revenues. So much revenue is being lost to illegal dumping. But we can stem the tide with proper regulations in place. And that is why we are here to tell the world how far we have gone in fashioning out the work plan,” Roberts said.
Already, two studies including: “Construction and Demolition Waste Management Market Study in Lagos State”, in August 2012 and “In-Depth Market Study for a System in Lagos State, Nigeria”, in June 2013, both of which were carried out by Market Trends International had provided stakeholders with framework for discussion at the summit of Lagos State Ministries, Departments and Agencies which took place at De Renaissance Hotel, Ikeja on August 1, 2013.
Roberts who developed the work plan for the project had presented it to the stakeholders at another summit in October 2013. The work plan earmarked responsibilities for agencies such as National Environmental Standards Agency (NESREA) Lagos State Ministry of the Environment, Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development ((MPP&UD: LASPPPA (Permitting) and LASBCA (Building Control) Private Service Providers (PSPs) including construction, waste management, recycling companies, among others.
For instance, the policy stipulates that the ministry of physical planning will create incentives for CDM recycling by providing improved performance for permitting, permit applications and application reviews, shorten timeline approvals, provide more inspections and enhanced enforcement for all CDM projects. The ministry is also expected to develop what is to be known as Green Tag Programme for contractors to file source separation and safety plans with permit application and post placard at job site.
On the other hand, LAWMA which has the statutory responsibility for solid waste management generated from the various sources in Lagos State will be expected to create incentives for CDM recycling by lowering Building and Demolition Contractors CDM Tipping Fees, transportation costs, and designate a CDM disposal area at all landfills. The agency is also expected to create public awareness programme to address the CDM carve out and illegal dumping. While building and demolition contractors will source separate, re-use and recycle CDM at all construction sites.
Among other things, the policy framework also states the need for all stakeholders to agree to carry out their actions in a way that protect human health and environment and save precious natural resources while creating jobs through private sector engagement.
To actualize that dream, the stakeholders have asked LAWMA to put in place a steering committee that will see to  the proper implementation of the policy framework as outlined. And in responding to that challenge, the LAWMA General Manager, Ola Oresanya, said every stakeholders will be carried along in the project.
“When we started the policy on waste management development, we were able to marshal out a strategic plan to fall on and C and CD is among what we have prepared for. However, it must be stated that our government is more concerned about re-use and not recycle. Already, we are doing a lot of retro-fitting of waste. And I believe the public will be more informed when we have put in place a steering committee. Our utmost desire is to have in place a regulation that will guide the process of collecting debris, take them to the recycling plant and conduct post-mortem,” Oresanya said.    
In his remark, Paul Weijers, the team leader GEMS II in Nigeria said of greater concern to the Fund is to ensure that the project sails through and more Nigerians get employed through the project and rate of poverty gets reduced.
“GEMS II is interested in this project because our partners believe on the need to reduce the menace of poverty and get more people employed. We are the facilitators and we are not to implement,” Weijers said.