N7bn Waste Management Project Established In Ondo

A firm, ZLGA Waste Management Company, in collaboration with the Ondo State Government, has established a waste management project in Akure, the state capital.

The project, according to the Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Mrs. Abiola Bashorun, will gulp N7.12bn and will benefit the state in the area of revenue for the government and creation of employment opportunities as well as sanitation.

During the inauguration of the project, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu said his administration would support the waste-to-wealth project, which the state would benefit from immensely.

He stated, “There are lots of benefits to gain from this project – it will create employment opportunities for our youths. It will also generate revenue for the government. The state will realise a sum of N60m annually from this project.

“We will give you (the company) the necessary support. It is now clear that waste is no more waste, it will be turned to wealth in this state.”

In her remarks, Bashorun expressed delight over the acceptance of the project by the state government.

She said, “As environmental experts, we are saddled with the responsibility of providing services that cover effective and efficient evacuation of waste, transportation, treatment and disposal of both solid and liquid wastes as well as e-waste and medical waste.

“ZLGA is also mandated to collect waste levies, manage resources conservation and also fleets and equipment that are utilised in the execution of this project.

“The first state to sign the contract with us is Ondo in 2015, but the first place to start is Kaduna State. We have some of the youth who came with us; we have about 6,500 Kaduna youths on board in two years and we are hoping to double that here in Ondo State, at least in the first tranche.”

According to her, the company employs youths, trains and certifies them.