Governor Ambode Stops LAWMA From Collecting Waste Bills From Lagosians

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has directed the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), to stop the collection of waste bills from residents in the state.

This is just as he ordered LAWMA to ensure that full payment of waste bills by residents are henceforth remitted to the coffers of Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators in the state – a resolution that was part of the waste management reform promised by his administration.

This was also confirmed by the LAWMA Chairman, Olumuyiwa Adejokun, and the agency’s General Manager, Mr. Segun Adeniji, on Thursday at the opening session of a three-day training workshop for officials of the agency held at Lekki.

Speaking at the event tagged, ‘Reformed Waste Management in Lagos State: The Role of LAWMA,’ Adejokun noted that the governor’s directive was part of the planned reform to make the agency more efficient and effective as the government lacked huge fund to manage waste in the state.

He said, “The government does not have the huge funds required to manage waste in the state. This is why the governor has decided to embark on waste management reform.

“The state government does not have the fund to operate waste management. I can tell you that it costs huge millions to manage waste in Lagos. And that was why we have thrown the business open to investors whom we believe will help in managing waste in Lagos State.

“It is better for LAWMA to step aside in the bill issuance and concentrate on regulation of the PSP operators in the state. By doing this, they will be able to sanction any operator that fails in its duties.

“Aside regulating, LAWMA will provide backup for the operators. With this, the Agency will have the opportunity to assist operators where they are lacking in their duties.”

“LAWMA issues bill to commercial outfits when waste is collected, and when the bills are paid, LAWMA keeps 40 per cent of the payment, and the PSP operators keep 60 per cent. But the governor has directed that 100 per cent of the fund should go to the PSP operators.”

360chli