The tragic incident involving two sisters employed by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), who were crushed to death by a motorist trying to escape from officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), highlights the hazards faced by road sweepers in Lagos, Nigeria. The article argues that while the reckless driver is responsible for the alleged crime, the invisible hand operating in the sisters’ deaths is that of the Lagos State government. It criticizes the practice of deploying individuals to sweep highways, calling it a crude and perilous means of ensuring a clean urban environment.
The article points out that street sweepers face numerous dangers, including the risk of being crushed or maimed by vehicles, inhaling fumes, dust, and stench from polluted air and clogged drains. It mentions previous incidents where street sweepers were killed while performing their jobs. The author questions why, in 2023, Lagos State has not implemented less precarious means of street cleaning, such as using machines. The inefficiency and corruption within government agencies tasked with implementing such reforms are also highlighted.
The piece criticizes LASTMA for its crude operational tactics, emphasizing the need for a shift in focus from sadistically extorting drivers to ensuring efficient traffic management. It argues that the punishment for traffic infractions in Lagos is too severe, leading people to risk their lives to escape officials. The article concludes by calling for accountability, reforms, and a more humane approach to traffic management in Lagos.