Lagos State government has charged its residents with embracing good environmental sanitation practices during and after the Yuletide.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, who made this appeal in a statement, said as the festive period approaches, utmost cleanliness of the environment and proper waste disposal during the holidays is a must for everyone.
According to the Commissioner, the Yuletide season is a time for celebration, but residents must also prioritise environmental cleanliness.
We encourage all residents to dispose of waste properly and avoid littering the streets, walkways, road medians, kerbs, open spaces, drainages and canals,” he appealed.
He noted that as expected, a high volume of waste would be generated during the Christmas and New Year celebrations, calling for proper disposal of animal and livestock waste as well as proper sorting and bagging of such wastes by placing them at designated points for pick up by the assigned PSP operators.
He also assured residents that waste management officials will be working during the festive period to ensure that all wastes collected are promptly disposed of, advising residents to cooperate with waste collectors and report instances of waste not collected as at when due.
Wahab emphasised that the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) is positioned to respond adequately and promptly by evacuating wastes that may be generated during the period, adding that residents should patronise only PSP waste collectors and not cart pushers.
He stressed that the government is committed to maintaining a clean and healthy environment for all residents, urging residents to report environmental concerns or instances of improper waste disposal to the LAWMA hotline.
The commissioner added that the administration of Mr Babajide Sanwo-olu is at the forefront of the campaign for a healthy people and a cleaner environment, and will always encourage Lagosians to maintain a clean and safe environment.
Meanwhile, Wahab also reminded all residents that the law against street trading is still in force, stressing that the government would not tolerate any form of street trading which includes display or sale of livestock on roads, medians, walkways, lay-byes, gardens and parks, urging the traders to move into approved markets.
“By maintaining a clean environment, we will ensure a healthier and more enjoyable festive season for all. Let’s work together to keep Lagos clean” he said.
The Commissioner wished all residents a blessed and environmentally friendly Christmas and a very prosperous New Year.