As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance sanitation, the Lagos State Government has announced plans to introduce smart waste bins for every tenement in the state. This initiative is part of a broader campaign to improve waste management and curb the spread of communicable diseases linked to indiscriminate waste disposal.
The announcement was made by Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, the Special Adviser on Environment, during a weekly sanitation awareness and cleaning exercise held at Ajeromi Local Government. Accompanied by Mr. Gaji Omobolaji, Permanent Secretary of the Office of Environmental Services, and Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services, Akodu emphasized the importance of a cleaner environment and the need for collective efforts from both the government and citizens.
“The introduction of smart bins is crucial for monitoring the activities of PSP operators and the refuse disposal rates of Lagosians,” Akodu said. He urged residents and market leaders to prioritize cleanliness in their daily activities. Highlighting the recent cholera outbreak in the state, Akodu attributed it to the persistent unsanitary habits of some residents.
Akodu reiterated that the government’s weekly sanitation exercise aims to change public mindset and promote a culture of cleanliness. “We are increasing our advocacy and sensitization efforts to achieve positive changes in sanitary practices,” he stated.
He expressed the administration’s deep concern for the cleanliness and well-being of residents, lamenting that many roads, markets, and motor parks are plagued by refuse. During the exercise, heaps of waste were found along Marine Beach and Mobil Road towards the Ajegunle boundary to Alayabiagba market, with the shocking discovery of a baby’s corpse on the roadside.
Recalling the temporary closure of Alayabiagba market last year due to unsanitary conditions, Akodu noted that the market is once again falling short of the standards set by the government. Reports from the community sanitation exercise indicate a public desire for the return of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
“We must stop littering our markets and motor parks with waste. We must bag our waste at home and in the market, patronize PSP operators, and avoid creating illegal dumpsites,” Akodu emphasized. He appealed to community and market leaders to educate the public on proper waste disposal practices.
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director of LAWMA, elaborated on the upcoming rollout of smart bins equipped with notification chips to alert LAWMA when waste is not collected on time. He stressed that maintaining a safe, clean, and sustainable environment is a shared responsibility between residents and the government.
Community leaders, including the Baale, Babaloja of Ajeromi Ifelodun, and the CDC Chairman, urged the state government to reconsider reintroducing the monthly sanitation exercise. They also called for the enlistment of more LAWMA policemen to enforce waste management regulations.
The sanitation awareness team, accompanied by several key officials, visited Mobil Road, Apapa, Ajeromi, Ajegunle boundary, and Alayabiagba market during their exercise.
