23rd December, 2010
By Paul Sanusi
In its quest to ensure that waste generated is well sorted and properly disposed for the purpose of recycling, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), has launched eight recycle banks and resource centres in the state.
The recycle banks and resource centres, according to LAWMA, is a community development programme geared towards bringing the communities in the state in partnership with the agency in its effort to make the state cleaner and healthier.
Ola Oresanya, the managing director of the agency, at the launch of the project in Surulere, Lagos on Wednesday, said the scheme is one of the main thrusts of his organisation in ensuring that waste collection is above 80 per cent.
He added that the centres would also raise the information standard of Lagosians on recycling project as well as assist in the area of poverty alleviation programme and also as empowerment for the scavengers.
Oresanya also promised that the agency is determined to make the facility available in every part of the state by providing 1,000 of such in the next 24Â months.
He said the recycle banks and resource centres would be of immense benefit to both the communities in the state and Nigeria at large as the children could be further educated on waste sorting and segregation.
Dr. Muiz Banire, Lagos Commissioner for the Environment, who was represented by Dr. Titi Anibaba, the Permanent Secretary, said recycling is a component in modern waste minimisation strategy which has been adopted internationally in the bid to conserve the environment and reduce global warming effect of new products manufacturing.
She highlighted the importance of the centres to include job generation, providing credit support for economic development, environmental sustainability, conservation of natural resources and energy, reduction in waste received at landfill and eliminating the search for new landfill.
Messrs. Sam Obi and Ola Gomez, chairmen of Alaka and Eric Moore Community Development Associations respectively, commended LAWMA for initiating the scheme and said it would make them to readjust on how their waste is being handled.
The community leaders also promised to ensure that the facilities are protected, make clean as well as educate the residents of the estate on the best way to use the banks.
