Visionscape Sanitation Solution, an environmental utility group contracted by the Lagos State Government has given reasons for shutting down its operations in Lagos.
In a statement signed by Simon Reading, Chairman of the Board of Investors noted that management took the decision following heightening political tension in the state and reported cases of attack on its employees, destruction of its operational vehicles and equipment.
“Of utmost concern, are the recent developments surrounding the turbulent political environment wherein it was reported that the opposition in the upcoming gubernatorial race used subversive language about the residential collections contract and called it “a misadventure.
“We passed a unanimous resolution to formally notify you of our concerns in response to the volatility in Lagos. At the time, we were given assurances that the accommodations made to the ‘PSPS’ by the franchise team would be sufficient to appease those who felt that Visionscape had taken away their jobs’.”
He, however, appealed to all stakeholders to take appropriate measures to mitigate the risks to the safety of its personnel and assets.
The battle between PSP AND Visionscape
Recall that trouble started between the PSP operators and the Lagos State Government when the government suspended their operations in the state and engaged the services of Visionscape to manage the refuse collection in the state.
This, however, drew condemnation by stakeholders and residents in the state. The PSP operators went to court in January last year to challenge the government’s action. The court ordered that parties should explore an alternative dispute settlement but sadly this has stalled as both sides have refused to budge.
What will happen to Visionscape Post-Ambode era
The introduction of Visionscape into the waste management of Lagos state is no doubt one of the misses of the Akinwumi Ambode administration.
Many residents have lamented the return of refuse dumps on the streets of Lagos and wondered if the waste management company has the capacity to manage waste collection in a city like Lagos.
The growing number of refuse dumps across the state has become a major talking point among political parties in the state as the race for the Alausa- seat gathers momentum. The defeat of Governor Ambode at his party primaries has further cast doubt on the future of Visionscape in the state.
