By ADEPOTE AROWOJOBE

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday approved mechanised sweeping operations on Section One of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway.

However, lawmakers directed that the initiative must complement, rather than replace, manual sweepers currently engaged by the state.

The resolution followed the adoption of a report submitted by the House Ad Hoc Committee chaired by Mr Olumoh Lukmoh, representing Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency I.

The committee considered a request for an Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) in favour of BlueCap Technology Limited for the mechanised sweeping project.

Members described mechanised sweeping as a modern approach to improving environmental sanitation, maintaining road cleanliness and enhancing safety along the major highway.

They, however, emphasised the need to protect workers currently engaged in manual sweeping from displacement by the new mechanised operations.

The lawmakers said the decision was intended to protect jobs while sustaining economic opportunities for residents who depend on road-sweeping activities.

Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, said the Assembly supported mechanisation as part of efforts to align Lagos with global best practices.

Obasa, however, said technological advancement should be balanced with the need to preserve livelihoods, particularly for women who depend on road sweeping.

He urged the government to prioritise the welfare of affected workers and ensure that mechanised sweeping complemented existing operations.

“The essence of engaging people on our roads is to create economic opportunities for them.

“While we support mechanised sweeping, we must also ensure that those currently earning a living through manual sweeping are not left without jobs,” he said.

The Speaker said the Assembly’s position reflected the need to pursue modern and efficient environmental management without undermining the livelihoods of residents.

The approval therefore clears the way for the mechanised sweeping project, subject to the condition that existing manual sweeping employment is protected. (NAN)

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