As part of measure to ensure COVID-19 outbreak do not force small scale businesses out of system and manage the economy, the Lagos State Government has begun local production of recommended public hand-washing stations designed to prevent the virus spread, with employment and sourcing of both manpowers and materials locally.
The state government, through its Office of Civic Engagement, disclosed that 100 units of the recommended hand-washing stations were produced and that local artisans were engaged in the production.
It explained that the move was part of its effort toward keeping the economy afloat with the local investment and that the approach would help save foreign exchange and increase value-chain activities in the manufacturing industry.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Civic Engagement, Aderemi Adebowale, said that hand-washing basin was an initiative of the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and it was designed to gain absolute control over the virus after its outbreak in the state and alarming cases recorded in Lagos.
In an interview with the Guild, Adebowale disclosed that in-line with the Sanwo-Olu administration’s drive to locally boost the economy, the hand-wash stations were not only produced locally but also designed and passed to standardization process monitoring, since they were prescribed as part of medical approach to assist Lagos in gaining absolute control over the pandemic.
She noted that materials used for the basins were sourced locally and were put up by skilled labour that understands the needs of Lagosians and how the hand-washing basin can inculcate importance of hygiene in COVID-19 prevention.
“We wanted something that befits the standard of Lagos State. So we went to the market and acquire the best materials that can stand the test of time in the production.
“After acquiring these materials, we knew that a lot of skilled people are out of work at the moment due to outbreak of coronavirus and they needed to engage in something to put food on their table. And to do this, we engaged them including plumbers and welders in the production. This is all about engaging the citizens during this period”.
She explained that the hand-washing station has distinctive features that ensure there would be no physical contact with the device as prescribed by the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and Lagos State Ministry of Health to prevent further spread of the virus.
Adebowale noted that the basins were manufactured with pedal placements and a channel that allows the free-flow of water directly to the closest drainage and prevents water splash on users.
“To wash your hands, all required to do is simply place your left foot on the left pedal and press gently to dispense soap, after that, rub your hands together thoroughly and wash in between your fingers for 20 seconds. After that, every user will need to place their right foot on the right pedal to dispense water, allowing it to run over their hands to rinse the soap completely”.
Meanwhile, the production of the first 100-unit of hand-washing basin was in collaboration with Procter and Gamble which came on board with the state government through its office of civic engagement.
