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In its bid to empower and integrate physically-challenged persons into the vision of a clean and livable environment in Lagos, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has engaged the services of 20 persons as sweepers of pedestrian bridges across the state.
The Managing Director of the agency, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin disclosed this in Lagos on Thursday.
According to him, the agency had stepped up its drive to rid the state of waste and it became necessary to engage all stakeholders, including physically challenged persons.
“The cleanliness of Lagos State is a collective responsibility. We need all hands to be on deck to help us realise our vision of building a cleaner city we will be proud of. That is why we have decided to engage these special sweepers to play their own part in achieving this”, he said.
Gbadegesin noted that LAWMA decided to engage the services of the disabled sweepers instead of leaving them on the streets to beg for alms, adding that they would be assigned to clean various pedestrian bridges such as Ojota new bridge, Alausa Secretariat bridge, Ikeja-Along bridge, CMS bridge amongst others.
“They will ensure that these locations are always cleaned up during the day,” he added.
The LAWMA boss said 20 of them have been employed by the agency already, adding that plans are ongoing to employ more. He urged the sweepers to contribute their own quota towards establishing environmental sustainability in the state.
While imploring residents to support the government’s efforts at restoring environmental dignity, Gbadegesin maintained that the agency would not rest on its oars until effective sanitation is entrenched in every part of the state.
He, solicited for the support and cooperation of all residents of the state, urging them to call LAWMA toll-free lines – 07080601020 and 617 – for inquiries and complaints