The Lagos State Chapter of the Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN) has blamed the refuse disposal crisis in Lagos State on the profit motive of refuse management of the government.
It described the award of the contract to Visionscape under the “Cleaner Lagos Initiative” as a consolidation of the neo-liberal policies of the privatisation of refuse management that guaranteed huge profit for a few while public funds were mostly frittered away.
The position of the party is contained in a statement signed by Rufus Olusesan (Chairman) and Shoyombo M.K (Publicity Secretary).
“Refuse management is carried out within the context of profit and not to meet the needs of the people. No wonder refuse disposal is a big problem considering the fact that refuse heaps have doted different areas of Lagos with its attendant health hazards despite huge public resources and funds committed into waste management in Lagos State.
“Some communities and many residents have not had their refuse picked for more than a month and in some cases, for more than 2 months leaving heaps of refuse that litter the neighbourhoods, yet, on monthly basis, residents pay refuse disposal fees which is being collected by the PSP or company’s agents.
“Refuse remains everywhere in the state while ‘defaulters’ are taken before a special court for trial for non-payment,” the party said.
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It added that just less than one year of operations, Visionscape through another front company known as Standard Street Manpower Limited illegally sacked at least 20 truck drivers in June 2018.
It said sweepers were paid a ridiculous wage of N18,500.
The payment, the party said, was not even regular.
“It is the primary responsibility of the Local Government to manage/dispose refuse. According to Section 1(h) of the Fourth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, ‘The main function of the Local Government is the provision and maintenance of public convenience, sewage and refuse disposal.’ Hence, the Lagos State creation of LAWMA, PSP and now Visionscape is unconstitutional and is aimed at shortchanging the people/public.
“The ruling elite in Lagos State has always clamoured for resource control and true federalism but at the same time deprived the local government of its independence and funding.
“Besides, the local governments have been made to only exist to collect tax and levies with no responsibility to the people with the corruption at that level just like the state and the federal government,” SPN stated.
