The Lagos State House of Assembly has approved the use of mechanised sweeping operations on Section 1 of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway but insisted that the introduction of modern cleaning equipment should not replace manual sweepers in order to protect jobs and sustain economic opportunities for residents.
The resolution followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the House Ad Hoc Committee, chaired by Olumoh Lukmoh, representing Ajeromi-Ifelodun I, on the request for an Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) in favour of BlueCap Technology Limited for the mechanised sweeping project.
During the debate, lawmakers expressed support for the mechanised sweeping initiative, describing it as a modern approach to improving environmental sanitation and road safety.
However, members stressed the need to ensure that existing manual sweepers are not displaced by the new system.
Speaker of the House, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, said that while mechanised sweeping represents global best practice, the Assembly must also consider the social and economic implications of eliminating manual sweeping jobs.
According to him, many of the women engaged in road sweeping rely on the work as their primary source of livelihood, and the government must strike a balance between embracing technology and preserving employment opportunities.
He noted that the Assembly was not opposed to mechanisation but insisted that the welfare of workers should remain a priority.
“The essence of engaging people on our roads is to create economic opportunities for them. While we support mechanised sweeping, we must also ensure that those currently earning a living through manual sweeping are not left without jobs,” he said.