Oyo State Government says it has birthed a new waste management system in the State, adding that it has no plans to demolish buildings which have encroached on Awotan dumpsite.

Commissioner of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Kehinde Ayoola revealed this on Tuesday, in a town-hall meeting held with host Communities and residents of Awotan/Akufo in Ibadan.

The town-hall meeting came on the heels of fears nursed by residents of Awotan that houses which encroached on the space of the dumpsite might be demolished by Oyo State Government, while the Commissioner also sought for their co-operation in ending the menace caused by the dumpsite. 

Ayoola, said Oyo State Government has put in place, proper measures to upscale the solid waste management, which is better efficient and would solve the problem of urban solid waste management in the State.  

He added that to achieve the largely private-sector driven system, Oyo State Government has brought on board Macpresse West Africa Ltd, a waste management and recycling facility, headed by Mr Idowu Salawu.

He noted that the company, with over 20 years’ experience in the Environment sector, would assist the State Government in reducing pollution at Ajakanga and Awotan dumpsites and manage Oyo State’s waste management system effectively.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Bashir Olanrewaju, the Commissioner noted that the new solid waste management architecture in the State would ensure proper collection, disposal and management of waste in the State, which would henceforth not have adverse effects on residents of Awotan and its environs.

“Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the rehabilitation of two dumpsites in the State, at Ajakanga and Awotan dumpsites. The rehabilitation process is starting at Awotan dumpsite”.

Speaking during the meeting, Managing Director, Macpresse West Africa Ltd, Mr Idowu Salawu, said the company’s mandate is to upgrade, rehabilitate and reclaim dumpsites in the State.

He added that Macpresse West Africa Limited would expand the efficiency of the solid waste in the State according to international best practice for Oyo State.

While he reassured residents of Araro, Akufo and Awotan of Government’s magnanimity not to demolish any building, Salawu also called for collective responsibility of the residents in having a smooth upscale in the waste collection operations at the Awotan dumpsite.

Salawu also promised indigenous participation at the dumpsite, by providing employment opportunities for residents, adding that his company would support indigenous workers and ensure it decongests the dumpsite in a short while.

In their separate responses, the Osi Baale Awotan-Adaba, Mr Amusa Akangbe and Chairman, Awotan-Araro-Akufo Community Association, Mr Ayoade Fajimi thanked the State Government for fulfilling its promises to bring development to Awotan community.