Oyo state Governor Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde on Thursday chides critics of his administration who usually refer to him to him as audio governor
The governor while commissioning the renovated and upgraded Awotan dump site said whenever we start any project, they call it audio now they can see the video evidences of what we have been able to do and they will still see more.
In his address, governor Makinde explained that with the rehabilitation of the dumpsite into a landfill, the state government has engaged additional 500 registered waste companies to collect refuse in the state in a bid to ensure a clean and safe environment for all and sundry.
While unveiling the waste trucks for the use of the Clean and green initiative of the state government, the governor maintained that waste has become gold in Oyo state as the waste contractors will be paid per kilogram of refuse they disposed of.
His words:“When we were confronted with the issue of waste in Oyo State, we had two main choices. One, a quick fix, which could have happened sooner or a more complex and far-reaching solution, which will take some time. As you can see, the video clip we just watched is quite complex.
“The quick fix would have just meant that we are just kicking the ball further down the road. Sometime in the future, we will, again, be confronted with the issue of waste disposal. Maybe then, it will be another administration to deal with it but we would have gone away with the tag of ‘Architect of modern Oyo State’.
“One, those who live near this dumpsite, the nearest settlement is just about 200 meters away from where we are right now, would have had to continue dealing with their groundwater contamination and their water will have remained unsafe for them to drink. The Baale of Awotan has asked us to fix the health centre here and I want to assure you that we will do it. We already put a plan in place to have one standard health care facility in every ward in Oyo State and we will have 351 of them.
“Secondly, they would have continued to live with the stench coming from this dumpsite. The multiplier effect is that those who have properties for rent around here would have a hard time letting them out and, of course, I have spoken about the health implications as well.
“As a matter of fact, when I met some people here, they said they abandoned their houses here and relocated to the city but, the good news is, they are coming back now.
“I want to acknowledge the immense contribution of our late compatriot, late Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Kehinde Ayoola. He did all the planning and groundwork to make sure that this project turns out as it is today. May the good Lord continually be with his family. Let me also thank the current Commissioner for Environment, Barrister Idowu Oyeleke, for seeing the project to a logical conclusion.
“So, as I said earlier, we decided on the second option. Yes, it took more time, which meant that people complain about refuse disposal for a little longer but we knew that when we accomplish what we set out to accomplish here, the result will be glaring to all. We are standing on the ground now and we can see everywhere. So, apart from this environment, the total rehabilitation of this landfill resulted in engaging over 500 registered private companies in refuse collection. Each of those companies will employ at least a driver, a number of packers and others. If you multiply six by five hundred it will give you 3,000 direct jobs.
“Also, about 50 people worked here as scavengers and I don’t think they will continue to scavenge again because there will be a rise in their take-home. They will be staying here now and those who need whatever they separate will have to come down and buy from them here.
“So, these individuals who worked on this project; contractor and others, we appreciate it and the resultant effect is that we have more funds into the Oyo State’s economy. Now that the site is completed, what is next? The benefit of upgrading this dumpsite is immense. We are all breathing easily right now.
“The last time we came here, we discovered that access will be a challenge. We had to look for an alternative route. The Apete-Awotan road is less than 1,500 metres and once you pass this place further down to Akufo junction, the traffic will be less. So, in less than six to 8 weeks, the problem of access to this place will have been completely solved. And another added sweetener is there is methane gas under here, which will be converted to electricity that will in turn be used to install street light around here. We will provide the street light and this place will provide the gas that will be used to generate electricity for that purpose.
“Finally, we will have less refuse on our streets because the contractors will be paid per kilogram of debris they bring here. It means anyone that did not collect waste will not get paid.
“Of course, knowing how much each of the registered companies spend acquiring the trucks and other equipment to work with, they will want to recoup their investment. So, they will keep going out to pick up the waste. Suddenly, the waste is now like Gold. This, of course, will translate to economic benefit to Oyo State.
“The more refuse we get here also the better for our waste to wealth initiative. Apart from the gas, some came and said they can convert the waste to fertilizer. So, we will encourage them. If there is an access road to get here to come and do what they have proposed, it is also for the benefit of the residents here.
“So, you can see that the Clean and Green is a total municipal waste system solution.”
The commissioner for Environment and Natural resources Barr Lateef Idowu Oyeleke in his welcome address said the project is a crucial part of the broad plan to reposition Oyo state especially the state capital Ibadan as a sustainable a and ideal metropolitan city free from dirt and filth.
He explained that before the inception of Makinde’s administration, Awotan dumpsite used to be poorly managed, overstretched, unfriendly, unhygienic, with its attendant health hazards such as contamination of underground boreholes and deep wells. The ugly situation led to the SAVE OUR SOUL protest and you responded by given them a first landfill in Nigeria instead of mere rehabilitation and upgrading.
Oyeleke said further that the landfill site has 6 tipping platform, 1hazardous waste platform ,Gate House , Administrative building ,MRF recycling equipment building , construction of leachate collection/Treatment plant
He maintained that the purpose the project is to achieve sound, sustainable and technology driven waste management system which will in turn improve environmental and social wellbeing of he people and residents of Oyo state
Mr Salawu Idowu , the contractor that handled the project in his remark said the projects which sits on six hectares of land will be used for renewable energy for he sate
He added the residents can now live and enjoy good environments tthattt
Alawotan of Awotan Oba Dauda Omotoso who led pack of traditional rulers and chiefs to the place commended Governor Makinde for transforming the community since he he became governor, he said the construction of Adeosun bridge, Upgrading of Awotan dumpsites and the ongoing road projects are acknowledge and appreciated by the people and would be grateful if he governor can also upgrade the Health Centre in Awotan
Speaking on behalf of the Landlord Association in the community, Engineer Ayoade Fajinmi said , We found ourselves in a community with extreme discomfort and part of our problems include offensive odour and toxic waste, our water system, deep wells boreholes are usually contaminated, also during the dry season, air pollution used to be of great discomfort to the community, our apartments is usually filled with flames and smokes from the dumpsite but now it has become history”
” With so much happiness and joy in our hearts we have been a testimony of plenty good deeds of your administration, upon your assumption into office, you came here did a survey and observed the mess around, and what you promised us then has come to fulfilment in our community indeed ” OMI TUNTUN TI DE OOO”
