Lagos intensifies monthly sanitation, warns residents against dumping refuse in canals

 

Sanitation 

The Lagos State Government has urged residents to desist from dumping refuse into canals and drainage channels, warning that the practice could worsen flooding and undermine environmental sanitation efforts.

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

"This is seventh exercise since its resumption in March, I'm urging local government chairmen and their executives to mobilise residents towards maintaining clean and healthy environments.


"Environmental sanitation should be a continuous responsibility rather than an activity restricted to designated sanitation days," Agoro said.


The head of service expressed concern over the indiscriminate dumping of refuse observed in some canals during the exercise.

He said the Ministry of the Environment had been notified to clear the affected canals, adding that plans were also underway to reconstruct one of the canals in consultation with the relevant drainage authorities.

Agoro, however, cautioned that clearing the canals would not yield lasting results if residents continued to dump refuse indiscriminately.

"Residents please to take responsibility for your surroundings and support the government's efforts to keep the environment clean and prevent flooding," he said.

Similarly, the Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Mr Akeem Dauda, said the council had been sensitising communities on the dangers of indiscriminate waste disposal, particularly the dumping of refuse into canals.

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

He urged residents to complement the government's efforts by adopting proper waste disposal practices and keeping their surroundings clean.

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

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