Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has appealed to residents to be prompt with their waste bills payment.
The Governor made the appeal on Wednesday, August 4th, 2021 at the launching of 102 units of brand new locally assembled compactor trucks and 100 units of double dino waste bins in a bid to reduce turn-around time in waste evacuation within the metropolis, thereby achieving cleaner and healthier environment.
Governor Sanwo-Olu inaugurated the compactor trucks at an elaborate event held at the State House, Alausa and witnessed by stakeholders in the waste service sector, including Private Sector Participants (PSP) operators.
The assets comprised 30 units of 12-cubic meter trucks, 60 units of 24-cubic meter trucks and 12 hook loaders. They will be complementing over 850 PSP compactor trucks to enhance service delivery in under-served communities across the State.
The compactor trucks were assembled by the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) technicians in conjunction with Dangote Sinotruk Manufacturing firm. They are designed according to the local requirements to aid clearing of waste from generating points to transfer-loading stations. Each compactor truck has three years warranty and maintenance package.
The Governor also launched a mobile application called “CitiMonitor”, which would enable monitoring and reporting of environmental infractions, including indiscriminate dumping of refuse.
Sanwo-Olu said; “Today, we are unveiling new equipment that will enable LAWMA to effectively fulfil its mandate. This is testament to our administration’s determination to secure the public and environmental health of the State, as well as to improve the aesthetic value of the environment in line with Health and Environment pillar of our T.H.E.M.E.S agenda.”
“This intervention represents one of the largest singular investments ever in the waste management sector in Lagos. We are confident that the addition of these new assets to our existing ones will quickly bring about visible improvements in waste evacuation and reduce the incidence of blackspots that blight our roads and clog our drains.”
“I urge Lagosians to take responsibility for the waste we generate and act as responsible citizens at all times. We cannot continue to litter our roads with filth, dump waste on the roadside or in illegal dumpsites, or patronise cart-pushers for waste disposal.”
“This intervention calls for a complete change of attitude towards our environment, beginning with basic hygiene at home, proper domestic waste management and ultimately, environment-friendly practices. The quality of our environment directly impacts the quality of the lives we live. A clean environment is a major weapon against diseases and other public health challenges.”
“LAWMA workers who will be operating the new implements should handle them with care and put to good use, I will spare no effort in restoring aesthetic of Lagos.”
However, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello, said; “This is the second time the State will be witnessing such massive intervention in waste management after the 2008 delivery of 100 compactor trucks to LAWMA by the Babatunde Fashola administration.”
“This is a remarkable accomplishment that will enhance the cleanliness and adequate sanitisation. It is part of our resolve towards helping to build the capacity of some of the private investors in the waste management value chain. The real celebration would be when we look back in a few months from now and can see commensurate improvement in the waste management fortunes of the State.”
Also, LAWMA Managing Director, Ibrahim Odumboni, said; “The new compactors are fabricated to address the problem of liquids dripping from waste trucks – the snag synonymous with second-hand trucks mostly use by PSP operators.”
“The new compactor trucks are fitted with sitting compartments for waste collection assistants to prohibit hanging on the trucks.”
“The trucks will be distributed across the four operational districts of the agency, while the double dino waste bins will be stationed at muster points across major markets.”
“We will not take this intervention for granted, because we know that these assets have been acquired at great cost amidst economic challenges and so many other competing needs. I assure Mr. Governor and Lagosians that these working assets will be properly looked after.”
