GOVERNOR Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, unveiled 102 waste compactor trucks and 100 double dino bins for waste management by the State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA)
Unveiling the 102 waste collection vehicles comprising: 90 compactor trucks, 12 hook loaders and 100 double dino bins, the governor said residents must be responsible and not continue to litter the roads, dump waste on the roadside or in illegal dumpsites, or patronize cart-pushers for waste disposal.
“As we are all aware, there is renewed emphasis and global focus on the threat of Climate Change. Lagos being a densely built-up low-lying coastal state is particularly vulnerable, especially to flooding. This calls for a wholesale 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 COVID-19 and other public health challenges.
My dear Lagosians, let me once again use this opportunity to thank you very profoundly, for your consistent cooperation and unwavering
support. You are the reason we are here, and it is our responsibility as your government to ensure that we live up to your expectations.
We will never take your support for granted; we assure you that our administration will work tirelessly to achieve and sustain improved socio-economic welfare for us all.”
The governor stated that the unveil of the trucks and waste bins for LAWMA is not accidental, saying the government still remains determined to rewrite the narrative of waste management in Lagos State, for the better.
“This represents one of the largest singular investments ever in the waste management sector in the State. We are confident that the
addition of these new assets to our existing ones will very quickly bring about very visible improvements in waste evacuation and reduce the incidence of blackspots that blight our roads and clog our drains.
“But this is only the beginning. We are thinking well beyond the basics of waste collection and disposal. We are equally focused on permanently changing the habits and mindsets of Lagosians regarding the management of waste; inculcating a culture of responsible usage, and of sorting and recycling.
“This determination has seen us already invest more than two billion naira towards the rehabilitation of dump sites across our state. Another one billion naira is currently being invested in the construction of three new transfer loading stations to provide the necessary infrastructure to facilitate the effective delivery of solid waste
management services.”
The governor said his administration’s intention is not to disenfranchise the Private Sector Participants (PSPs), as waste management should be private sector driven, and the role of the government, through LAWMA, will be primarily to provide support to PSPs.
For the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello, the governor’s gesture marks a turn-around in the fortunes of LAWMA, because Mr. Governor made a promise and delivered on his promise.
Bello disclosed that LAWMA had faced acute shortage of compactor trucks, to do critical intervention assignments, adding that with waste generation on the increase on daily basis, it has been a challenging task till date.
“In the midst of our struggle, Mr. Governor came with a promise, that brand new compactor trucks would be delivered to us, sooner that we expected. Alas! here we are today. Mr. Governor sir, words cannot adequately express our gratitude to you, for your steadfast support for the abiding faith in our ability to deliver, and for keeping this particular promise. All these fall in line with the THEMES Agenda, where Health and Environment play a pivotal role.”
