Lagos: The Lagos State Government and Bariga Local Government (LG) have called on residents to actively participate in environmental sanitation efforts and assume greater responsibility for maintaining cleanliness in their communities. The appeal was made by the state Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, during a sanitation exercise in Bariga.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Agoro, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Office, Mrs. Sukanmi Oyegbola, emphasized the importance of government officials joining the exercise to motivate residents to prioritize environmental cleanliness. He expressed concern over the low participation of residents, urging them to regularly clean their surroundings rather than wait for designated sanitation days.
Agoro highlighted that environmental sanitation requires collaboration between the government and residents, stressing its significance to public health. He identified waterlogging and blocked drainage channels, specifically around Emmanuel Church St. and Adetoke St. in Bariga, as pressing environmental concerns needing immediate attention. He mentioned that the Bariga LG and state government would work together to restore proper water flow and rehabilitate the affected canal.
The Community Development Association has pledged to cooperate with the government to tackle these environmental challenges. Agoro also announced that businesses and residents failing to maintain environmental standards would face consequence management. He noted that the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) is working to improve waste evacuation, although some challenges persist due to residents’ reluctance to pay waste collection fees.
Similarly, Mrs. Adedeji Omope, Chairman of Bariga LG, encouraged residents to support government efforts in achieving a cleaner environment. She emphasized that while the government cannot address waste management challenges alone, residents play a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness. Omope, who personally participated in the cleaning exercise, stressed the importance of proper waste disposal and active resident participation in sanitation activities.
A local resident, identified as Sunday, highlighted the health issues caused by blocked drainage channels, which lead to stagnant water and increased mosquito breeding. Sunday alleged that some residents had built structures over drainage channels, obstructing water flow. He urged authorities to take decisive action to restore the drainage system, warning against political considerations delaying necessary interventions.