The Lagos State Government, through its relevant agencies, on Friday, December 6, 2024, issued a two-week ultimatum to residents of Lagos Island to clean up their environment.
The move aims at addressing growing environmental concerns, including blocked drainage systems, indiscriminate waste disposal, and illegal constructions.
The agencies are Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), office of drainage services and water resources and office of environment services, both from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.
Speaking at a sensitisation forum with the residents, the General Manager, LASBCA, Mr Gbolahan Oki, said there would be strict enforcement on illegal and unauthorised building activities, particularly those encroaching on drainage channels.
Oki said, “The nonchalant attitude of some Lagos Island residents towards environmental issues is unacceptable. We are issuing a two-week ultimatum for immediate improvement.
“We have observed numerous instances of illegal constructions, such as shops built on top of drainage systems and shops spilling onto roads.
“Additionally, many residents use their cars as makeshift shops, causing traffic congestion and obstructing pedestrian walkways.
“The Lagos State Government will no longer tolerate such disregard for environmental regulations. We have issued a stern warning to all offenders and will take necessary enforcement actions.’’
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Mr Mahmood Adegbite, urged residents of Lagos Island to have a change of attitude toward infrastructure, particularly regarding waste disposal.
He urged them to clear their drains and avoid dumping waste into them, adding that the government planned to expand roads and drainage channels.
Adegbite called on the community to work together with the government to improve the local environment and maintain the new infrastructure.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Environment Services, Dr Gaji Tajudeen, also urged the residents to cooperate and change their behaviours, particularly regarding waste disposal.
He told the people that the government would be implementing projects to mitigate flooding risks and enhance the overall environment.
He encouraged the residents to work with the government and ensure responsible waste disposal, using authorised disposal services, and avoid littering drainage systems.
Tajudeen emphasised the importance of these measures for public health and safety, saying that improper waste disposal could contribute to waterborne diseases and other health issues.
The Chairman, Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area, Mr Folawiyo Muibi, appealed to residents to refrain from dumping refuse into the drainages and maintain a clean environment.
He urged them to also seek assistance from the council if they needed help with waste disposal or other related issues.
Muibi expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for the planned road infrastructure improvements on Lagos Island East LCDA.
He highlighted the significance of these projects for the community and emphasised the importance of community cooperation to ensure their successful implementation.
The Community Development Committee Chairman, Lagos Island, Chief Elemoro Martins, expressed support for the government’s initiative to improve the environment on Lagos Island.
He also recognised the importance of community engagement in achieving this goal and pledged to convey the message to residents.
By Lydia Ngwakwe
