The Lagos State House of Assembly, has called on Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to investigate the motive behind a viral video online indicating some officials of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, in a demonstration for non-payment of salaries.
The call was made at the plenary on Monday, July 6, 2020 following the motion moved by a member representing Surulere Constituency 1, Hon. Desmond Elliot.
The motion titled; “Need to Enhance Waste Management in Lagos State.”
The House resolved to commend the effort of Lagos State Government on waste management and dirt evacuation in the State and urge the Lagos State Governor to direct Commissioners, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Ministry of Finance, Accountant General, State Treasury Office, Acting Manager, Lagos Waste Management Authority and relevant Agencies to ensure payment of all outstanding allowances of the sweepers.
Hon. Elliot noted that things were running smoothly before the outbreak of Covid-19 in the State but with the current situation, the State IGR has degenerate.
In his contribution, the Speaker of the House, Hon. Mudasiru Obasa said it is right for Government to address the issue raised by LAWMA workers.
“The State can come up with mechanized ways of removing waste, but we must continually try to create jobs and our sweepers must be paid, valued and respected. We also want to reduce crime which was why we are doing the job manually.
“We should condemn those behind the video because there are many ways of making their grievances known. The issue started during the outbreak of Covid-19 and everybody was affected. Those behind the video should be brought to book. We should condemn those going to the media to embarrass the Government.
“For those who played roles in the delay of the salary of the sweepers, the committee should see how they could be held responsible,” Obasa said.
Yemisi Oreoluwa
