Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the state’s Ministry of the Environment have paid a field visit to Polysmart, a wholly indigenous multi-million dollar plastic recycling facility, located in Aiyetoro, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The Guardian learnt that the visit was to explore areas of partnership, towards solving plastic pollution challenge in the state and across the country,
The firm, which began production in 2021, is into complete recycling of used plastic bottles, from collection to the production of six million food grade pet bottles on a daily basis.
Speaking during the facility tour of the factory, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, noted that the establishment of Polysmart was a dream come through, in actualisation of diligence and determination of the management team of the firm.
He said:” This is a strong indicator that LAWMA is making all best possible efforts at ensuring plastic pollution is tackled in the state, and here we are with Polysmart. I could remember vividly the day I met with the Managing Director and we discussed the possibility of having a collection system for solid waste. I must commend you and your team for your resilience.
“In a state where we have about 12 million of used plastic, if Polysmart collects seven million on a daily basis, gradually, plastic pollution will go off and we will have a plastic free environment. That is why LAWMA is advocating the two bin system for the collection of waste and sorting of recyclables.” Odumboni challenged the firm to work with LAWMA Academy, to boost knowledge of waste management among the children and youth in the state.
Also Speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services of the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji, expressed delight in the company’s initiative, stressing that the emergence of Polysmart will no doubt help the ministry and LAWMA to provide a lasting solution to plastic pollution epidemic in Lagos State.
The Managing Director of the firm, Mr. Wasiu Balogun, who conducted the visitors round the facility, noted that the firm was established with the primary aim of solving the plastic mess and for employment generation.
Balogun promised total cooperation with LAWMA and the state government, to increase the cost per kilogramme of used plastic, harvested by households in the state and beyond.
