The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), has given sound warning to truck drivers in the agency’s fleet, to strictly obey safe driving rules or risk severe penalties, including outright dismissal.
LAWMA Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin gave the warning on Tuesday, at the headquarters, Ijora-Olopa, Lagos where he repeatedly warned against any breach of safe motoring and road traffic rules and regulations, involving non-use of seat belts, drunk driving, over-speeding and reckless behaviour on highways.
Other breaches, according to him, include: over-loading, loss of safety equipment, possession of invalid driver’s license, waste handlers hanging onto moving trucks, and such other reckless actions, that could trigger an accident.
The MD emphatically stressed, that stiff sanctions would henceforth be applied, including outright dismissal, prosecution, suspension from work, forfeiture of monthly salaries and allowances, and non-payment of medical bills if involved in an accident, depending on the gravity of infraction.
He said: “Henceforth, reckless road behaviour and breach of safe driving rules and regulations will attract very stiff penalties, including the possibility of dismissal, among other sanctions.
“The safety of our drivers, residents and other road users remains our priority in the course of daily operations. We are working relentlessly to ensure that our truck drivers discharge their duties in a manner that will not endanger the lives of people in the state.”
Gbadegesin disclosed that each waste evacuation truck operated by LAWMA, will now prominently display phone numbers, allowing residents to promptly report instances of reckless driving or dangerous behaviour witnessed on the roads.
Gbadegesin stressed the significance of community involvement in maintaining road safety standards, adding that by empowering residents to report incidents, the collective effort could promote safer road practices.
According to the statement released by the Agency, LAWMA Boss assured the public that all reports received would be thoroughly investigated, and any erring truck drivers would face appropriate sanctions.
He reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism in waste management operations, adding that the Authority would not rest on its oars, towards ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for all Lagosians.
Gbadegesin encouraged residents to utilise LAWMA’s toll-free numbers or the phone numbers displayed on waste evacuation trucks, to report concerns related to waste management or road safety infractions by drivers.