SEPTEMBER 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION HOLDS SATURDAY IN LAGOS

In a statement announcing the sanitation exercise, commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, said that the renewed clean up campaign is to clamp down on all infractions like shanties, illegal overhanging structures, attachments to all tenements, obstruction to drainage channels on setbacks, right of way in violation of the prescribed distances from the highway or impeding free flow of traffic and storm water.

The Commissioner reiterated that, in response to the Annual Flooding Outlook and Rainfall Prediction released by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET) and Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and the subsequent Seasonal Rainfall Prediction Press Conference by the Ministry of the Environment held on Thursday, August 18th, 2016, the State Government had appealed for support of all residents on the need to clear and clean up our premises, especially drainage channels and canals across the State, so as to avert any unforeseen outbreak of diseases and flooding.

The Monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise will be observed state-wide between the hours of 7.00am-10.00am on Saturday 24th September, 2016 with restrictions on human and vehicular movement across the State.

Dr. Adejare added that the State Government warned the citizenry to desist from acts that can lead to flooding, such as indiscriminate dumping of waste into drains and canals as this hinder the free-flow of storm water.

He implored Lagosians to come out en-mass on Saturday, warning that the period of environmental sanitation should not be used for any social engagement or sporting activities, but for serious cleaning and sanitation exercises.

He said that Lagos State Government has declared that the remaining Monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise for Year 2016 will be dedicated to sanitation and clearing of the environment, drainage and canals across the State adding that all hands must be on deck to ensure a flood and filth-free Lagos.

According to him,“As we are all aware, Lagos is a coastal and aquatic state that has high water table levels and prone to flash-floods whenever it rains. We must therefore imbibe habits which will reduce to the barest minimum the incidence of flooding, which has so far been contained in the State”.

Allaying the fear of flooding, he stated that “flash flooding maybe experienced in the State, but would disappear within a short period of time”.

Dr. Adejare said that the target of the State is to sustain past record of flood abatement and so that the experience of flooding of the past can be avoided. He declared “this can only be achieved through effective collaboration of the people”.
He emphasized that the State Government will not rest on its oars in ensuring a flood-free Lagos and t0 also save guard lives and properties during and after rainy season. He also warned residents who still patronize cart pushers to desist from the illegal acts, advising them to dispose their waste through LAWMA/PSP Operators.

“All of us will have to be vigilant to ensure that nobody dumps refuse in drainage channels. We must also avoid the idea of patronizing cart pushers because they end up dumping the refuse in drainage channels which in turn is pushed back to them by flood” he stated.

He therefore, warned Inter-state Bus and Luxurious Bus Operators, Transport Owners and Road Transport Workers to comply with the restriction order on human and vehicular movement between 7.00am-10.00am,stating that anyone caught violating this order will be apprehended and prosecuted, while passengers in such vehicles will also be prosecuted according to the state’s Environmental Sanitation Laws.

The Commissioner assured the people of Lagos of the commitment and determination of the State Government to attain a sustainable, safe and clean environment. He therefore urged Lagosians to support Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s vision of an Accommodating, Meritorious, Beautiful, Organized and Developed Environment for all.