…Intensifies monthly environmental sanitation

Lagos State government has warned residents to stop dumping refuse into canals, drainage channels, and unauthorised places, stating the practice undermines the state’s sanitation efforts aside it compounds the flooding challenge.

The Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro, gave the warning during the October edition of the state’s monthly environmental sanitation exercise.

Agoro said the exercise which was the seventh since March, called on local council chairmen and their executives to mobilise residents for improved environmental cleanliness.

He stressed that sanitation must be a continuous responsibility, noting that government officials observed residents dumping refuse into canals during the exercise.

He said that the Ministry of the Environment has been notified to clear affected canals, while plans are also underway to reconstruct a canal in the area in consultation with the relevant drainage authorities.

Agoro, however, cautioned that clearing the canals would achieve little if residents continued to dispose of waste indiscriminately.

On his part, the Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Mr Akeem Dauda, said the council had been sensitizing communities to stop indiscriminate dumping of refuse into canals.

Dauda commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for sustaining the monthly sanitation exercise, describing it as an opportunity to mobilise residents and promote environmental responsibility.

The exercise in Ikeja covered Onilekere Street, Saidu Street, Olumo Street, Ijesha Close and Olúkòyí Street.

A similar exercise was also held in Ikorodu, led by the Wife of the Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu.