The Lagos State Government has announced plans to acquire 150 additional compactor trucks and commence a major clearance operation on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
This is in an effort to improve environmental sanitation and waste management.
The state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this on Saturday during the monthly environmental sanitation across the state.
Wahab said the monthly exercise underscored the government’s commitment to maintaining a clean, healthy and sustainable environment for Lagos residents.
According to him, the state is deliberately involving young people and schoolchildren in environmental activities to instill a culture of cleanliness and environmental responsibility in them.
“We are involving young people and schoolchildren in this exercise so they can take the message of environmental cleanliness back to their schools, homes and communities.
“Our objective is to build a culture of cleanliness among the next generation and encourage everyone to become active partners in keeping Lagos clean,” he said.
The commissioner stressed that environmental sanitation should not be viewed as a ceremonial activity but as a collective responsibility requiring the participation of all residents.
“When we come out for an exercise like this, it is not a show. It is a call to action. Government alone cannot achieve a clean environment.
“We need residents to obey environmental laws and actively participate in sanitation activities because environmental sustainability is everyone’s responsibility,” he said.
Wahab acknowledged operational challenges affecting waste evacuation, particularly shortage of compactor trucks and other equipment.
He, however, said the government had approved procurement of about 150 new compactor trucks to strengthen waste collection and evacuation.
“As announced by the government, about 150 new compactor trucks have been approved and deliveries are expected within the next three months.
“We are also working with local governments to acquire smaller compactor trucks that can access inner roads and narrow streets where larger trucks cannot operate effectively,” he said.
The commissioner added that some of the trucks would be assembled locally to boost operational efficiency and support local capacity development.
He also disclosed that the state government, in partnership with ZoomLion, was constructing a modern Material Recovery Facility and recycling plant to transform waste management practices.
According to him, the facility will process more than 4,250 metric tonnes of waste daily and significantly reduce dependence on landfill disposal.
“The facility will replace the old practice of simply dumping waste at landfill sites. It is expected to become operational in the first quarter of next year.
“This project represents a major shift towards sustainable waste management and resource recovery in Lagos State,” he said.
Wahab said the government was also supporting Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators to improve operational capacity amid prevailing financial and logistical challenges.
He urged Lagos residents to pay their waste management bills promptly to enable PSP operators to sustain efficient service delivery.
“It is important for residents to understand that PSP operators can only continue to provide quality service when they receive payment for services rendered.
“Waste management is a shared responsibility involving government, service providers, businesses and every resident of Lagos State,” he said.
The commissioner also warned illegal occupants and traders on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway corridor.
He said the state government would begin a comprehensive enforcement and clearance operation on the corridor from next week.
“From Alaba through Okokomaiko and beyond, all illegal structures, makeshift stalls and encroachments on the road median will be removed.
“This is the final notice. Anyone who ignores this warning should expect enforcement action, including demolition of illegal structures,” he said.
Wahab noted that the Lagos-Badagry Expressway remained a critical transport corridor and must be protected from encroachment, especially in view of ongoing government investments along the route.
“We will deploy the necessary personnel and equipment to ensure the exercise is successful.
“The Lagos-Badagry Expressway is a major highway, and we will ensure it is restored to its proper condition in accordance with the law,” he said. (NAN)
