Firm commits $50 million to waste management

A global environmental utility company, Visionscape has invested over $50 million on the purchase of cutting edge technology and tools to address the waste management need of Lagos.

The investments cover building of first engineered landfill in Epe, compactors, vehicles and bins of various sizes and rear loaders as well as upgrading of loading stations in Mushin , Tapa and Igando.

Speaking during a facility tour of Tapa Loading station in Lagos, Chief Operations Officer (COO), Visionscape Sanitation Solutions, Thomas Forgacs, said the company is set to begin operations across the state to roll out the next phase of their contract for the Cleaner Lagos Initiative (CLI).

According to him, one million plastic bags will be deployed to take care of areas that are motorable and cannot be reached by the galvanized bins.

“As a pioneer in environmental solutions, the Visionscape trucks are fully equipped and embedded with cutting-edge features, which includes a Global Positioning System (GPS), radio-frequency identification (RFID), and automotive Controller Area Network (CAN bus) system. These innovative features are designed to meet the operational needs facing waste management across the state”, he stated.

Forgacs said the addition to the waste management fleet was in line with the firm’s commitment to provide integrated waste management services, using state-of-the-art equipment and innovative solutions to help transform megacities..

He explained that in the last six months, the firm has surveyed the state and collated vital data to make its operations highly effective noting that the organization therefore understand population density of the communities and areas that will be serviced across the State. He said the preliminary assessment has aided the firm to know the amount of waste that will be generated in any particular location.

The Chief operating officer stressed that the Tapa Transfer Loading Station (TLS) in Lagos will serve as one of many hubs strategically located throughout the state which will enable Visionscape temporarily deposit collected waste from within city limits to be transported in bulk to the landfills after processing.

“The Tapa TLS is the first completed TLS as the company is currently renovating other stations in Mushin, Agege and Oshodi as part of its mandate to provide integrated waste management solutions for the treatment of municipal solid waste and wastewater under the Cleaner Lagos Initiative.

“Transfer Loading Stations are the unsung heroes in the waste management supply-chain; they’re fundamental in driving efficiency into waste collection and transportation services. The TLS will serve as the middleman between waste collection vehicles and the final disposal facilities,” he stated.

Forgacs further assured Lagos residents of timely collection and disposal of the tonnes of domestic solid waste generated daily in the state, stressing that transfer stations will receive approximately 6,700 tons of waste a day.

For the SWM Solutions Executive Director, Tolagbe Martins, the Cleaner Lagos Initiative is creating an enabling environment. Before now, there was only a focus on disposal and no system to support the waste beyond collection. The collection is the beginning of the cycle, and the CLI is providing a world class sanitation structure that includes mechanized sweeping by trained community sanitation workers, transfer loading stations, sorting and recycling, innovative waste bins, regular waste collection and more.

“We are pleased to inform you that the work which has been going on over the past 15 months is rolling out now.

In his remarks, the permanent sectary, Lagos state ministry of the Environment, Biodun Bamgboye said the delivery was part of state process of changing the management of waste.

He stressed that the state has tried various models before arriving at CLI, which will enhance the wellbeing of Lagosians, improve the state’s aesthetics as well as provide employment for the people.

To ensure smooth sail of the initiative, he disclosed that policy has been formulated, facility procured as well as personality engaged to ensure that the state will not derail from its objective .“We are resolved to do things right to actualize the zeal to ensure that our people are self sustaining through employment. Lagosians should be patient with the government as the state will ultimately be better when the programme kicks-off”, he stated.