Arthur Richard
… Solicits More Cooperation In Proper Disposal of Refuse To Avert Flooding
Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) has acknowledged an appreciable level of compliance by residents with some environmental laws and regulations in the state, attributing it to concerted efforts by the State Government to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services (OES), Lagos Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji stated this in his address at a Stakeholders’ and Community Engagement Meeting held at the Multi-Agency Safety Arena Complex, Bolade-Oshodi, themed “Community Engagement: A Catalyst for Enhancing Environmental Compliance’, on Thursday.
He emphasised the critical role of community involvement in fostering environmental compliance, adding that Lagos, being a cosmopolitan city with a budding population that fuels the wheels of commerce via the formal and informal sectors, makes the City prone to all kinds of environmental infractions, hence the need for all hands to be on deck to salvage the environment.
Highlighting the efforts of the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), popularly known as KAI, the Permanent Secretary, who was represented by a Deputy Director in the Ministry, Mrs Tope Ilori, praised the Corps for their relentless enforcement, advocacy and monitoring activities. He noted that the Corps Marshal, Major Olatunbosun Olaniyi Cole (Rtd), has significantly contributed to the Agency’s success and achievement since his appointment.
The Permanent Secretary outlined several measures undertaken by the Ministry to address environmental challenges including the removal of contravening buildings that block waterways, a ban on styrofoam to prevent environmental hazards, and a recent agreement with Harvest Waste Consortium, a Dutch firm, for the construction of a Waste-to-Energy Plant at the Epe landfill.
In his remarks, the Corps Marshal of LAGESC, Major Olatunbosun Olaniyi Cole (Rtd) confirmed that the rate at which Lagosians cross expressways where there are pedestrian bridges has reduced, stressing that the same level of compliance is needed particularly in the area of proper waste management and environmental cleanliness.
While noting that 5,000 environmental offenders were prosecuted in the last six months, the Corps Marshal emphasised the need for continuous and enhanced cooperation from all residents in the proper disposal of refuse.
Warning that improper waste disposal practices can lead to severe consequences, particularly flooding, which has historically plagued various parts of the state during the rainy season, Major Cole averred that the LAGESC is ramping up its public awareness campaigns to educate residents on the detrimental effects of environmental pollution and the critical role each individual plays in maintaining flood-free Lagos.
In his words, “I am proud of the progress made so far, but there is still much work to be done. I urge all Lagos residents to continue adhering to environmental laws and to take personal responsibility for proper waste disposal. Together, we can prevent flooding and safeguard our communities”.
The Corps Marshal of LAGESC assured members of the public of his commitment to enforcing environmental laws and taking necessary actions against defaulters.
LA/TMS/KO
