Lagos becoming dirty, residents should see the need for us to start monthly sanitation – Sanwo-Olu

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has hinted at the possibility of the return of monthly environmental sanitation to Lagos State.

The governor lamented that the move had become imperative following the “appalling state” of uncleanliness in communities across the state.

Sanwo-Olu on Sunday kicked off a community-based enlightenment and advocacy to create awareness about community participation in sanitation and waste management aimed at reducing the risk of disease outbreaks.

The weekly action to sanitise the environment was flagged off at Campos Stadium on Lagos Island, as the governor enjoined Lagosians to make continuous cleaning of their homes, surroundings and drainage system a priority onward.

Besides, the governor planted a tree at a symbolic ceremony organised at the State House in Marina by the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) in commemoration of the World Tree Planting Day, which is held globally to promote environmental sustainability.

Sanwo-Olu expressed concern over widespread practice of irregular waste disposal and level of uncleanliness in several communities.

He said the government would be forced to bring the full weight of the law to bear and commence sanitation enforcement if there was no change of attitude towards making the environment clean.

He said, “We are here to start an enlightenment campaign given the appalling state of our environment, which is totally unacceptable. We are witnessing a rising level of environmental nuisance being constituted around our communities. We have seen heaps of refuse and the state of uncleanliness in the city.

“We are using the sanitation on Lagos Island as a form of advocacy which we will push forward to the entire state on our plan to ensure we begin a collective action of ensuring cleanliness in our environment. This is important and we strongly believe it is something every citizen must be awakened to.”

Sanwo-Olu decried what he called “deliberate sabotage” of drainage systems by those removing manhole covers on major roads, noting such an act had compromised the mechanism put in place to protect drainage channels from silting.

The Governor said, “The conversation here is an enlightenment in which week after week, we will be going out to demonstrate our willingness to keep our environment clean. I believe we would, on our own as a people, see the need for us to start a monthly sanitation exercise.

“We cannot do it alone as a government; we believe the community should support this effort to safeguard our environment and protect our future. I implore everyone to take the message back home that the era of uncleanliness and disregard for environmental regulations is coming to an end in Lagos.”

Sanwo-Olu said massive tree planting remained one of the adaptation strategies set by the State to address the effects of climate change.

The governor directed LASPARK to lead the charge for the planting of 20,000 trees over the next year, saying the agency must commit itself to the goal of reducing the hazards of deforestation being felt in Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu was joined in the tree planting campaign by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, and members of the State Executive Council.