The Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWMN) chapter in Ogun State made a plea to Prince Dapo Abiodun, the state governor, on Wednesday, requesting that their unpaid “bridging and highway” allowances which totaled more than N650 million be paid.
Speaking to reporters in Abeokuta, Pastor Jolaoluwa Emmanuel, the association’s state chairman, claimed that the state government’s unwillingness to reduce the backlog had not only hindered their productivity but also resulted in the unemployment of hundreds of employees as well as over 100 operators.
He clarified that although the state government owes the waste managers a bridging allowance of eighteen months for the disposal of general refuse, amounting to over N450 million, the highway operators, who are responsible for managing public waste deposited on state highways, have a four-month backlog, totaling more than N200 million.
The chairman of the AWMN also bemoaned the condition of the dumpsites throughout the state, stating that many of them are in such bad shape that it is difficult for their vehicles to access them. He said that these dumpsites ought to be fixed as soon as possible before the rainy season doesn’t start.
Jolaoluwa said, “While we want to appreciate Governor Dapo Abiodun for doing so much to take Ogun State from being one of the dirtiest to the cleanest since he came to power in May 2019, we also want to say that as much as we have been instrumental in achieving this milestone, we are however getting frustrated with the backlog of 18 months bridging payment of over N450m that the government is owing us.
“This backlog is from September 2022 and each time we write a letter to the government, it has been promise upon promises which was never fulfilled.
“We used to be over 200 operators, but we are now less than 100 because many could no longer cope with the hardship.
“Those who also help take care of the public waste on our highways too are being owed four months, running to over N200m.
“We are not finding things easy at all, because the cost of operations has gone up astronomically. A litre of diesel is now N1,500, what do we say of the cost of spare parts, and tyres?
“Our efficiency is really being challenged, we have tried to be patient till now, but we may be forced out of business if we don’t have capital to work with.
“The dumpsites across the state are also not in good condition, the government should please help with the repairs of these dumpsites before the rain begins.
“We are using this medium to appeal to Governor Abiodun to please help us out, the suffering is so much and we can’t bear it anymore”.
In response to the news, Mr. Ola Oresanya, the State Commissioner for Environment, stated that although the government is aware of the waste managers’ situation, it is already taking action to guarantee that they receive payment within a few days.
He said, “We are aware of the pains of waste collectors, which can be attributed to the astronomical increase in fuel prices and the high cost of vehicle spare parts.
“All these resulted in the high operation cost, and we have been avoiding the burden transfer to the public through the increase in waste collection charges.
“The government is aware of these challenges, and we are working to address the matter. I am sure the PSP operators will have reasons to smile very soon.
“It reflects the prevailing socioeconomic landscape, which I believe will yield a positive dividend with the various intervention strategies by the government.
“I appeal to them to remain calm and be steadfast as a major partner in the public hygiene programme of the State”.
