Lagosians tasked on environment protection, sustainable habitat

Engineers have advised Lagos residents to protect the environment and ensure sustainable habitat for future generations.

The experts noted that disregard for environmental laws were affecting the quality of life and water supply in the state.

Speaking at a forum on the theme, “Biodiversity towards sustainable environment in Nigeria”, organised by the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers, (NIEE), in Lagos, Water and Waste Water Consultant, Mrs. Sinduaja Krishnaa, stated that the earth is no longer safe due to human activities.

The forum attracted the General Manager of Lagos State Building Control Agency, (LABSCA) Mrs. Abiola Kosegbe, who was conferred with the fellowship award of the institution.

Krishnaa called on the Lagos authorities through the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to prevail on residents to take ownership of their environment and cultivate friendly attitude.

Other speakers include, Prof. Babagana Mohammed of the Department of Agricultural and Development Engineering, University of Maiduguri, and the former president of Nigerian Society of Engineers, Olumuyiwa Ajibola.

They emphasised that infrastructural development should be carried out without compromising the health and safety of the environment.

The experts appealed to Nigerians to maintain ‘sanity in the environment’ just as they espoused the endless opportunities in environmental by-products.

On his part, NIEE Chairman, Olamilekan Ajani, lauded efforts of the state’s physical planning and urban development as well as environment ministries in preserving natural resources.

He urged other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to address emission of toxic chemicals into the air by the residents.

The chairman assured that the institute would continue to partner relevant government agencies at the federal and state levels to curb the menace of climate change and global warming and its attendant risks on the residents.

On the fellowship award conferred on Mrs. Kosegbe, Ajani explained that it was in recognition of the awardee’s efforts in promoting activities of the institution and giant strides towards building control issues in Lagos State.

He said the recognition would spur her towards ensuring that basic minimum standards are maintained in building construction and renovations.

Ajani advised the awardee to bring her vast experience in environmental engineering for the progress of the institution.

In a reaction, Mrs. Kosegbe stated that the ministry has introduced compulsory use of site instruction booklet by LASBCA’s building inspectors as well as the use of drones for monitoring and data capturing towards reducing incidences of building collapse.