Yuletide: Bello tasks residents on environmental consciousness

Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello, yesterday, called on residents to take care of the state of the environment during Yuletide celebrations.

Bello in a statement, said Government is doing all within its capacity to intensify actions that with address the scourge of climate change in the state, as this calls for adoption of cleanliness in all forms and ensuring that all safety protocols are embraced by residents.

He said: “We embarked on a comprehensive all year round cleaning and maintenance dredging of drainage channels/canals and construction of new drainage, and these projects paid off.

“Some States were unfortunately devastated by floods this year, Lagos despite its peculiarities as a coastal state with low-lying terrains and a high population density among others coped well.”

He stressed that it was necessary for Lagosians to show utmost love to the environment by not desecrating it even as they celebrate with moderation.

Bello reminded all that as it is customary, a lot of waste would be generated during Christmas and New Year celebrations and called for proper disposal of all such wastes as well as proper sorting and bagging and placing them at designated points.

He assured Lagosians that the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) will respond adequately in terms of carting away all wastes and refuse that may be generated during the period.

He said that this administration is at the forefront of the campaign for a healthy people and a cleaner environment, and will always encourage Lagosians to desist from acts that could have negative impacts on the environment.

He also advised residents against the storage of petrol and other inflammable materials at homes, offices, shops and markets as their storage could aid fire outbreaks particularly when virtually all objects in the environment are dry and combustible during this period.

Bello also urged drivers to beware of the hazy/harmattan weather condition, which may reduce visibility to less than 10m, stressing that motorists should ensure that all parts of their vehicles are in good condition before embarking on any journey.

He used the occasion to wish all residents a blessed Christmas and a very prosperous New Year.