In a bid to ensure cleanliness and environmental sanitation across the nooks and crannies of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, the legislative council has directed the environmental officers of the council to reappear before the chamber alongside other relevant officers.
During a sitting held on Thursday, 28th November 2024, the legislative council invited the Director of the Water and Environmental Sanitation Department to explain the reasons behind the persistent uncleanliness in the local government area despite the department’s existence. The invitation was scheduled for Tuesday, 3rd December 2024.
In a statement presented by Hon. Joel Okeodebija, representing Sango Ward, he welcomed the director for appearing before the house in good faith. Hon. Okeodebija queried, *”Who are the individuals responsible for waste collection in the local government, and can they be summoned to the chamber?”*
Similarly, Hon. Kazeem Aina, representing Ota Ward 1, inquired about the department’s revenue generation activities, stating, *”If the department generates revenue, can the chamber have a detailed list of the revenue sources and issued tickets?”*
In response, the Director of the Water and Environmental Sanitation Department, Sanitarian Olamoyegun Rashidat, clarified that the department is no longer responsible for waste collection in the local government. She explained that the responsibility has been transferred to the Ogun State Government through the Ogun State Waste Management Agency (OGWAMA). She added that a State Coordinator based in the local government oversees the activities of waste management consultants.
Sanitarian Olamoyegun further stated that the department’s current responsibilities include enforcing compliance with Thursday Market Sanitation, managing community corpse evacuation, and liaising with the State Coordinator to address shortcomings of the consultants.
On the issue of revenue generation, she explained that the department no longer generates revenue since waste management responsibilities have been taken over by the state. She warned that any revenue tickets bearing the local government’s name are counterfeit.
Following her submission, Hon. Joel Okeodebija moved a motion for the reappearance of the Director of Water and Environmental Sanitation, Sanitarian Olamoyegun, along with relevant stakeholders of Waste Management and the PSP (Private Sector Participation) head, Mr. Tajudeen. The motion was unanimously supported by other Honourable Members.
The Leader of the House, in his commitment to achieving a clean and healthy environment, mandated that the Director should appear again before the house with all relevant stakeholders.
