The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, in Oyo, Mr Abiodun Oni, says not less than 197 waste collectors have re-applied for contract under the Private Sector Participation (PSP) arrangement.
This is contained in a statement issued on Monday in Ibadan by the State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the state government recently terminated the appointment of the contractors due to the poor service delivery regarding waste collection.
Government consequently appointed Mottanai Recycling as the state’s waste management consultant, as part of steps to create a turnaround in the environment sector.
According to the statement, Oni has reiterated government’ commitment to ensure that its citizens stay in a clean and safe environment.
The commissioner clarified that re-application by the sacked waste collectors did not necessarily mean automatic re-engagement.
“As the criteria for re-engagement must be met to achieve the cleanliness and efficiency our citizens deserve.
“Planting of trees, cleanliness of the environment is of great concern,” he said
Oni urged residents to take on some responsibilities by fighting against wrong attitude to waste disposal in the state, adding that the menace would be conquered in no distant time.
The commissioner said that his ministry, in conjunction with its waste management consultant, Mottanai Recycling would embark on an emergency clean-up campaign exercise.
He added that waste collectors to be appointed would be mandated to embark on household door to door collection of wastes.
Oni said residents, traders and business owners were expected to pay waste bills promptly “to at least be responsible for the wastes they generate, as part of their civic responsibilities”. (NAN)
