The Lagos State Government has announced plans to introduce smart waste bins across the state. This initiative was revealed by the Special Adviser on Environment, Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, during a weekly sanitation awareness and cleaning exercise held at Ajeromi Local Government.
Mr. Rotimi-Akodu, accompanied by Mr. Gaji Omobolaji, Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, and Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, emphasized that the introduction of smart bins is imperative to monitor the activities of PSP operators and track the waste disposal habits of Lagosians.
He highlighted the critical role of both government and residents in maintaining a cleaner environment.
“The Smart Bin has become necessary to ensure a clean environment and monitor refuse disposal,” said Rotimi-Akodu, urging residents and market leaders to prioritize cleanliness in their daily activities.
The initiative comes in response to the persistent issue of communicable diseases linked to poor waste management. Lagos State recently witnessed a cholera outbreak, attributed to the unsanitary habits of some residents.
The Special Adviser reiterated the government’s commitment to changing the mindset of citizens and fostering a culture of cleanliness through heightened advocacy and sensitization efforts.
“We want to work more with the people and raise the bar on good sanitary practices; we are ramping up our advocacy and sensitization to achieve a positive change and ideology of the people,” he stated.
Despite the government’s efforts, many roads, road medians, markets, and motor parks in Lagos remain littered with refuse, often dumped by residents reluctant to use PSP services. During the exercise, heaps of waste were observed along Marine Beach and Mobil Road towards the Ajegunle boundary to Alayabiagba market. Disturbingly, the team even discovered the body of an infant amidst the refuse.
The Alayabiagba market, previously closed due to poor sanitary conditions, is reportedly regressing to its former state, prompting government officials to stress the need for continued vigilance and adherence to cleanliness standards.
Reports from the weekly Community Sanitation Exercise and Advocacy campaign indicate a strong public demand for the reinstatement of the Monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise. Community leaders, including the Baale and Babaloja of Ajeromi Ifelodun, alongside the CDC Chairman, advocated for the return of this initiative, recalling the effectiveness of waste police in curbing littering in the past.
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director of LAWMA, elaborated on the smart bin initiative, explaining that each bin will be equipped with chips to notify LAWMA when PSP operators fail to collect waste on time. He underscored that maintaining a safe, clean, and sustainable environment is a collective responsibility.
The sanitation awareness team, accompanied by other key officials such as Mrs. Toun Popoola, General Manager of LASPARK, Major Olatunbosun Cole (Rtd), KAI Marshal, and Engr.
Adefemi Afolabi, General Manager of LASWMO, visited several locations including Mobil Road, Apapa, Ajeromi, Ajegunle boundary, and Alayabiagba market to reinforce the government’s message of cleanliness and community cooperation.
