Environmental Sanitation: Lagos Gov, ExCo members embark on street cleaning

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced that he, along with members of the executive council, will start to lead a weekly street cleaning in the City state.

The governor also announced that the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) will soon begin distributing waste bags and bins to tenants across the state to enhance environmental sanitation.

Governor Sanwo-Olu made these announcements on Monday, during the flag-off event at Campos playground, Odunlami Street, Lagos Island.

He emphasized the importance of environmental cleanliness and read the riot act to residents who engage in littering and the removal of manhole covers.

According to Sanwo-Olu, the waste bags and bins that LAWMA will distribute were meant to improve the proper bagging and disposal of refuse, adding that this is part of a broader community-based environmental sanitation awareness programme.

The governor urged residents to adopt good environmental habits to prevent disease outbreaks and maintain a clean and safe environment.

Accompanied by his deputy Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Sanwo- Olu expressed concern over the widespread littering of drains and removal of manholes, which contribute to environmental degradation and health risks.

He highlighted the necessity for a comprehensive approach to tackle these issues, including the formation of a task force comprising officials from the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Environment.

The awareness campaign will be extended to all 57 local government areas and local council development areas (LCDA) to ensure widespread community participation.

In the meantime, the sanitation awareness event coincided with the annual Tree Planting Day, celebrated globally on July 14. Governor Sanwo-Olu encouraged residents to embrace tree planting, noting its importance not only for beautification but also for regulating temperatures and mitigating the effects of climate change.

In his welcome address, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, highlighted the significance of reintroducing the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Lagos.

He said the sanitation exercise was a long-standing tradition in Lagos State, aims to promote hygiene, safeguard public health, and increase residents’ lifespan through cleanliness.

Wahab stressed the need for community involvement in waste management and encouraged residents to clean their homes, surroundings, and drainages regularly. LAWMA officials will be available to collect and properly dispose of the bagged waste.