The Lagos State Government on Sunday reiterated the need for residents to sustain the quest for a cleaner state by avoiding unsanitary practices during the yuletide season.
This plea was contained in a statement issued and signed by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, emphasising the need for residents to maintain a high level of environmental cleanliness and strict adherence to proper waste disposal practices throughout the celebrations.
According to him, the yuletide period traditionally witnesses increased social activities and consequently, a surge in waste generation. He called on all residents to be more environmentally conscious and ensure that all forms of waste, including animal and food waste are properly sorted, bagged, and disposed of at designated collection points for evacuation by assigned Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators.
He assured Lagosians that the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) is adequately positioned and remains fully prepared to respond promptly to waste evacuation needs during the festive period. He emphasised the ban on patronising cart pushers, cautioning residents against patronising them. He noted that such practices undermine the state’s waste management system and contribute to environmental degradation.
The Commissioner also reminded residents of the availability of LAWMA’s Customer Care lines, which are a reliable platform for reporting environmental infractions such as illegal dumping, black spots, and other sanitation-related concerns.
“I would like to appeal to all residents to promptly and always report cases of any environmental infraction, black spots and illegal dump sites noticed within their communities from time to time to the government”, he said.
Wahab averred that the present administration remains firmly committed to promoting a healthy populace, a cleaner environment, and a flood-free Lagos, urging residents to reciprocate government efforts by demonstrating responsible environmental behaviour at all times.
The Commissioner further warned residents to avoid storing petrol and other inflammable materials in homes, offices, shops, and markets, noting that such practices significantly increase the risk of fire outbreaks, especially during the dry season when materials in the environment are highly combustible.
Wahab concluded by wishing all Lagos residents an environmentally responsible Christmas and a prosperous New Year, reiterating that sustained adherence to good sanitation and hygiene practices across the state will go a long way in promoting public health
