The quest for a cleaner and healthier environment in Lagos State got a boost on Wednesday das the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration unveiled 102 units of brand new locally assembled compactor trucks and 100 units of double dino waste bins.

The trucks and bins were specially designed according to the requirements and peculiarities of Lagos State with a view to sustain clearing of waste from generating points to transfer-loading stations.

Assembled by the technicians of Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) in conjunction with Dangote Sinotruk Manufacturing firm, the trucks comprised 30 units of 12-cubic meter trucks, 60 units of 24-cubic meter trucks and 12 hook loaders.

They were fabricated to address the problem of liquids dripping from waste trucks – the snag synonymous with second-hand trucks mostly use by Private Sector Participants (PSP) operators.

The new trucks were also fitted with sitting compartments for waste collection assistants to prohibit hanging on the trucks.

Each truck has three years warranty and maintenance package.

While the new trucks would be distributed across the four operational districts of LAWMA, the double dino waste bins would be stationed at muster points across major markets.

The new trucks and bins are expected to complement more than 850 PSP compactor trucks to enhance service delivery in under-served communities across the Centre of Excellence.

Inaugurating the new trucks and bins, Sanwo-Olu said the new equipment were not being deployed to edge PSP operators out of the business. Rather, he explained that the compactors would make trips only to public places and major roads to take waste, while PSP operators would continue with their traditional commercial and residential waste collections.

"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," the governor said.

Sanwo-Olu also used the occasion to formally launch a mobile app, CitiMonitor, which would enable Lagosians to monitor and report any environmental infraction, including indiscriminate dumping of refuse.

Also speaking at the event, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello, described the unveiling of the new trucks and bins as massive intervention in waste management.

According to him, "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 Lagos State."

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