Lagos State government, yesterday, hinted at plans to introduce smart waste bins for every tenement in the state as it intensifies the monthly sanitation awareness programme.

The Special Adviser on Environment, Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, disclosed this when he led other state officials during the ongoing weekly sanitation awareness and cleaning exercise at Ajeromi Local Council.

He said indiscriminate waste disposal significantly contributes to the prevalence of infectious diseases. Akodu, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Mr Gaji Omobolaji, and Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Mahamood Adegbite, said the issue of a cleaner environment is a serious one that requires the collective effort of the government and the citizens.

Akodu said the smart bin had become necessary to monitor the activities of PSP operators as well as the refuse disposal rate of Lagosians. He appealed to residents and market leaders to prioritise a clean environment as they go about their daily business activities.

The Managing Director of Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr Muyiwa Gbadegeshin, explained that chips attached to the bins would notify LAWMA when the PSP operators fail to pick up waste at the appropriate time.

He said a safe, clean and sustainable environment is the function of all residents and not the government alone. He added that everyone must make good sanitation practices a way of life and support the government’s efforts.

In their responses, a cross-section of community leaders, including the Baale, Babaloja of Ajeromi Ifelodun and Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman, appealed to the state government to reconsider introducing the monthly sanitation exercise.