Sanwo-Olu: Why Lagos may reinstate monthly environmental sanitation

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has dropped a hint at the possibility of the return of monthly environmental sanitation in the state.

The reintroduction of the environmental sanitation followed what Sanwo-Olu described as an “appalling state” of uncleanliness observed in communities across Lagos State.

He made this known during the flag-off of community-based enlightenment and advocacy aimed at creating awareness about the need to encourage community participation in continuous sanitation and waste management in Lagos on Sunday, July 14, 2024.

The weekly action to sanitise the environment was flagged off at Campos Stadium on Lagos Island, where the governor further explained the importance of regular sanitation for healthy living.

He enjoined Lagosians to also make continuous cleaning of their homes, surroundings, and street drainages a priority.

Sanwo-Olu urged compliance across communities in the state, noting that the officers of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) would be deployed to collect all waste gathered in all areas for proper disposal.

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Governor Sanwo-Olu also planted a tree at a 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 the widespread practice of irregular waste disposal and the level of uncleanliness in several communities, stressing that sensitisation was necessary to maintain a sustainable environment.

Lagos State, he said, 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. This event is to kick off a statewide advocacy on improving physical cleanliness through continuous sanitation.

“We are using the sanitation in 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. This effort must start from our houses, schools, offices and markets.”

Also speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the weekly environmental sanitation advocacy was a bold step by the state government to improve the well-being of the residents, stressing that the restoration of sanitation would raise hygiene standards and improve the life-span of the citizens.

The Star