Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has launched the new environmental management policy titled, ‘Cleaner Lagos Initiative (CLI).’

At the event held at Agege Stadium, Governor Ambode expressed optimism that the development would drive the state to the desired future of achieving clean, hygienic and flood-free environment.

He said the initiative was an enduring solution carefully designed to address the shortcomings in the management of the environment, as well as accelerate seamless cleaning of the state.

He was represented by the Deputy Governor, Idiat Adebule.

“To roll back sanitation shortcomings and accelerate seamless cleaning of our environment, the Lagos megacity was in dire need of an enduring solution that would match the needed technology with the massive investment required for its attainment.” the Deputy Governor said

“It is this void that the CLI has come to fill by creating an environment for the private sector to harness international best practice in the vital area of solid waste management and consequently free public funds for other beneficial uses.

“As a result, residential waste collection and processing, which is concessioned to a reputable and competent multinational waste services company, is being given a new lease of life with 600 brand new compactors and 900,000 electronically tracked bins, while wastes generated by the commercial sector would be handled by licensed waste management operators (PSP).”

MrsAdebulerevealed that the state government had also concessioned three transfer loading stations/material recovery facilities at Agege, Oshodi and Simpson Street, Lagos and three waste depots at Mushin, Ogudu and Simpson with the aim of rehabilitating and retrofitting the facilities.

She said: “This is what the CLI represents as it aims to revitalise the entire solid waste management sector to have far-reaching benefits and multiplier effects for the state in particular, and the country at large.

“The new initiative will usher in new financially viable and technologically driven sub-sector to the Lagos economy, creating new business and job opportunities, including over 40,000 direct and indirect jobs with high poverty alleviation emphasis to serve as a model for the entire country.” (NAN)