Visionscape threatens to suspend operations over attacks on staff
The waste collector tasked by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to rid Lagos State of dirt, Visionscape, is suspending operations over reported attacks.
The company, which has come under heavy criticism for the waste management crisis in the state, claims there have been attacks on its personnel due to the political tension in Lagos.
Ambode had, much to the dissatisfaction of PSP operators, brought Visionscape to take over waste management operations. The company has been widely criticised for its ineffectiveness.
It now claims that its trucks and staff have come under physical attacks from the public. Some of its staff have reportedly been left with serious injuries following the attacks.
Visionscape said in a statement that the attacks could have arisen as a result of a statement by APC governorship candidate Babajide Sanwo-Olu that Ambode’s contract with the company was “a misadventure”.
The company’s management said it was given assurances after a recently concluded Governance Committee meeting that “the accommodations made to the ‘PSPS’ by the franchise team would be sufficient to appease those who felt that Visionscape had taken away their jobs.
“With these priorities in place, we had great confidence that we would continue operations in Lagos State in a safe and uninterrupted manner,” it said.
“However, security reports brought to our attention, contain details of a surge in violent attacks on the trucks/equipment and, in some cases the operators. Of utmost concern, are the recent developments surrounding the turbulent political environment wherein it was reported that the opposition in the upcoming gubernatorial race used subversive language about the residential collections contract and called it “a misadventure”.
“We, therefore, request that the Executive team take appropriate measures to mitigate the risks to the safety of our personnel and assets,” it added.
The company further called for adequate security for its staff and properties in order to be able to continue with its duties.
