By Olasunkanmi Akoni
The Lagos State Government said it is making consultations on how to improve waste removal.
Special Adviser to Governor Akinunmi Ambode on the Cleaner Lagos Initiative, CLI, Engr. Adebola Shabi gave the clarification in a chat with our correspondent on the development.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode
Shabi, blamed the seemingly resurgence of refuse across the state on the persistent rainfall which he said had slowed down operation.
According to him, “We have embarked on advocacy and sensitization of the public on the need for cleaner environment. We are having a challenge presently because we are in the rainy season. This is compounded with the attitude and habit of our people dumping waste in the drainage and on median and roads whenever it rains.
“The few landfill sites are also slippery, making turn-around of waste removal and disposal work very slow. But we are working to get around it.
“We are talking with various CDAs to get those who dump refuse indiscriminately arrested and be subjected to community service. “In the last few days we have been having problems evacuating refuse due to the habit of the people. We have directed members of the Lagos State Environment Safety Corps, LAGESC, to intensify enforcement against indiscriminate refuse dump as well.
“Consultation with WCOs is almost completed on new measures to tackle the menace. I can assure you that the situation is under control. We are on top of it.”
Meantime, the State Government has urged residents and all stakeholders in the state to cooperate with the government to achieve a cleaner Lagos.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting with Community Development Associations (CDA), Residents Associations and WCOs in Ifako Ijaiye Local Government Area, LGA, Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti stated that the State Government needed the cooperation of the people in order to realize its goal of a cleaner and sustainable environment.
Durosinmi-Etti urged everyone to cooperate with the government by desisting from indiscriminate dumping of refuse in unauthorized places.