LAWMA Has a Mobile App to Keep You Connected to its Operations, We Checked it Out and Found a few Interesting Things

Days ago, I saw this tweet from the Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor on Media.

Apparently, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) had launched a mobile app for Lagosians to “track waste disposal operations across Lagos”. Having been a victim of frequent late waste pickup by the agency, I was interested and went off to download. This is what I found out.

The LAWMA app was not difficult to get on Playstore. While the app was downloading, I ran a quick check on the app info. From the tweet, I was expecting a recent launch date, but I found out that the app had been released since July 2018, and was last updated in August 2019. So LAWMA has had a mobile app for over a year? Interesting.

It’s curious that there has been little or no information about it for a year and few months, or did I miss something?

The first thing I noticed is the app more or less just connects you with LAWMA’s operations. This includes their waste operators, while providing you an avenue to make reports.

In the app you will find the ‘Locate nearest PSP operators’ option. This gives you a directory of the various waste operators in Lagos, arranged per LGA/LCDA. Interestingly, all the various LGs/LCDAs in Lagos are accounted for save Ikosi Isheri and Olorunda which I couldn’t find (probably combined with close areas like some other places were).

Once you can locate the operator for your area using your LGA/LCDA, there are options for you to get direction to the operator’s location or make a call. The direction option automatically opens your Maps app with directions while the call option opens your dialer. Nice.

Another interesting feature on the app is the i-Report option. This lets you make reports of happenings around you regarding waste management. It could be a complaint, feedback or suggestion and you can add pictures to back up your claims.

Beyond these, the app had other options – press releases, blog posts, videos, social wall (social media posts), gallery, notifications and LAWMA contact details, LAWMA recycle – all from the stable of LAWMA.

There’s also a rate your LGA/LCDA option that lets you rate how waste management is in your location. I sure did rated mine, just hope it counts.

That said, the app had a few flaws. For instance, for most of the features on the app there’s no back button. Use the side menu to go back to Home, a gentle press of your phone’s back button takes away the app. And for someone used to seeing back buttons, or using that of the phone, this will take quite a long while to get used to. And for an app that will be used daily, it’s not the best.

I also tried using the LAWMA recycle feature, and it took quite a while to open. And this is one feature that’s very important as it allows users explore the recently launched Blue Box Program – a recyclable collection program. For this feature, users will need to register or log in if they already have an account.

Summarily, if you need regular updates on LAWMA or a means to report things around you or reach the waste operators in your area, the LAWMA app is excellent. But if you were expecting more as regards tracking waste disposal operations, sorry this is the wrong app for you.