LASPEMA urges scrap dealers to follow guidelines

The Lagos State Planning and Environmental Monitoring Authority (LASPEMA), has told Metal Scrap Dealers Association (MSDA) to comply with the rules and also ensure a cordial relationship with the National Association of Scrap/Waste Dealers of Nigeria (NASWDEN).
LASPEMA General Manager, Olanrewaju Kazeem, reiterated the need to ensure guidelines are complied with, as the agency will monitor those involved in the business as well as keep a tab on the challenges facing the trade.
He said the meeting with MSDA was meant to streamline its activities and set standards that will improve its work so as to sustain the goal of the state government in creating a healthy living environment for all Lagosians.
Kazeem listed eight high priority locations for the streamlining as Onisiga, Munirat Aleje Ikorodu, Redeem Church off post office, and Onipanu by Kayode Street in Palm Grove.
Others are Adeniyi Jones in Ikeja, Railway line in Agege, Jankara Market by power line Ejigbo, and Katangowa/Super in Agbado Oke-Odo.
He warned that the government will no longer tolerate the use of rickety vehicles in transporting metal scraps from scavenging sites, and stressed the need to use covering nets to prevent litters which can cause accidents.
He also told the scrap dealers to use standard vehicles and to set up a database of all members to ensure the safety of residents and promote sustainable environmental policies.
Agege branch MSDA Chairman, Abdulateef Jimoh, commended the government for ensuring safety by formulating policies to sustain the environment, and for organising the meeting, the first of its kind.
MSDA Secretary, Adewale Adedotun, listed the challenges of the association to include indiscriminate arrest of its members while conveying scrap materials to sorting sites and non-recognition of the association.
He urged LASPEMA to help end such impediments.
Adedokun pledged that MSDA would cooperate with LASPEMA by complying with all environmental rules such as having visible/transparent cart, identification card, and a database of members.