LASG fetes, rewards EFAG operatives, promises salary increment

Lagos State government yesterday feted, rewarded and also promised salary increment for operatives of the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) and Drainage Enforcement and Compliance (DEC) Gang for their commitment in ensuring a flood free Lagos.

Speaking during the yearly end of the year zonal awards event, held at Alausa, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab said that the government would continue to provide the necessary logistics and the support they require for effective service delivery.

The Commissioner highlighted that the responsibility of EFAG is to clean all blackspots and drainages while DEC gang remove contravening structures on drainages in all Local Councils and Local Council Development Areas 24 hours a day, all through the year for easy passage of rainstorm water.

He expressed appreciation to the EFAG team for their efficient service delivery in cleaning up secondary drains and manholes as well as DEC Gang for restoration of Drainage Alignment across the 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas across the state.

While expressing appreciation from the State Government for good performance in 2024, Wahab said the Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved 100 per cent 13th month salary for the team in December.

He added that a free health insurance policy has also been put in place considering the risk they are exposed to in the course of the discharge of their duties.

“I would like to reiterate that you are part of the Government’s structure and as you continue to work harder, more welfare packages will be added; bear in mind that hard work brings better welfare packages, I want you to continually put in more effort,” he said.

He stressed that the government of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is committed to ensuring a sustainable cleaner, healthier and safer environment for its residents.

“I really appreciate the team for the good work, dedication and your love for Lagos and I want to assure all members of the team that the government will continue to take good care of you while you take care of the job for sustainability,” he said.

Also, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite said the EFAG team members remain the pride of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.

According to him, the Ministry will continue to give the necessary support needed for them to keep up with the tempo at which they have been working to ensure a flood free Lagos.

Responding, a representative of the team, the Zonal Manager, Lagos Island, Mr Jude Nwokeukwu expressed appreciation to the Government for always providing good welfare packages for the team and promised that the team would continually work harder to achieve a flood free and sustainable environment.

Commendation awards and cash gifts were thereafter distributed to outstanding officers of EFAG team and their coordinators while everyone wined and dined in an atmosphere of conviviality.