The article responds to viral images of scavengers allegedly dismantling pillars of bridges in Lagos, stating that anyone who vandalises public infrastructure must face the law. It argues, however, that the conduct of some scavengers should not be used to criminalise scavenging itself, which provides livelihoods for thousands and performs an environmental service. Scavengers recover plastics, metals, bottles and paper that would otherwise swell drainages and landfills, supplying raw materials to recycling enterprises. The piece calls for regulation of the largely informal activity, which currently operates with little training, identification or accountability.
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