The Lagos state government has reacted to recent protests and agitations by its road sweepers, over delay in salary payments.
According to a statement from the Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, the government had released payments for April 2020 to the contractors, and plans are underway to release payments for May 2020.
“LAWMA has made the April payments to our sweeping contractors for onward disbursement to their staff members. In addition, efforts are being made to ensure prompt release of subsequent payments, not only for May, but all future payments,” he assured.
Odumbomi noted in his statement that the government engages independent contractors, who in turn engage the sweepers, and makes all payments directly to them.
He added that though no contract exists directly between the government and the road sweepers, their welfare is a priority to the government, and efforts are in top gear to ensure that they receive subsequent payments soon.
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He appealed for support and understanding from the sweepers, assuring that the LAWMA appreciated their committed service, especially during this pandemic.
According to him, the issue “will be discussed with the contractor and amicably resolved to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.”
There are 7,500 street sweepers employed by 120 service providers across the state, according to LAWMA.
A recent report had revealed some of the harsh conditions under which some of the street sweepers had to work, with some of them having their salaries delayed as far as the 15th day of a new month. The report also showed that despite the high risk they face of being involved in road accidents, there is no life insurance covering the sweepers.
