The Lagos State Government on Tuesday read the riot act to All Residents Of The State Who Brazenly Defy And Disobey Environmental Laws saying Henceforth, There Will Be Zero Tolerance For All Forms Of Environmental Infractions.
Speaking during a media briefing the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab said stiff Penalties of about N250,000 fine or up 3 Months Imprisonmentwaits awaits Anyone Caught Dumping Refuse Illegally or Littering The Environment as states Under The Lagos Sanitation Environmental Law Provisions adding that serial Offenders Will Face Stiffer Punishments.
The Commissioner warned those in the habit of dumping Of Refuse Or Solid Waste In Drains, Medians Or road Setbacks emphasizing that Illegal Dumping In Drains And Public Spaces Contribute to Flash Flooding, Endangers Public Health and Deface the City adding that these actions are Strictly Prohibited and Under Active Surveillance.
He also warned squatters on the pedestrian bridges across the state to vacate as they are in the habit of committing Open defecation and criminal activities on the bridges barring pedestrians from using the bridge and in turn Endanger thier lives saying that anyone caught will be Prosecuted.
“The Government had arrested over 3,000 environmental offenders and prosecuted them. However, we won’t drop the ball, we would continue to ramp up our enforcement and sensitization; I want us to all know that we cannot achieve the results of behavioural change over night but it has to be over time” he said.
He also warned developers and builders Dumping Building Materials On The Drains Or On The Roads During the Construction Process saying that all of such Contravening Structures Will Be Sealed Up And The Owners Prosecuted.
He also stressed that there is a total Ban On Open Defecation and Urination. and government has provided about 1710 public Toilet with additional toilet facilities in eateries and gas stations in the state who are compelled to makebthem available for public use stating that apart From The Health Implications For The Citizenry, Open Defecation Falls Short Of Human Decency.
Wahab reminded all that the Ban on All Forms Of Street Trading Is Still In Place and no Form Of Trading Will Be Allowed On The Road, road Medians, Open Spaces And Walkways Meant For Pedestrian warning that traders should restrict trading to specified market spaces.
He urged all residents, Household and Businness organisations to Patronize Only Approved and assigned Psp Operators saying that timely Payment of Waste Bill Supports The System And Ensures Consistent Service while Those Who Generate Waste are compelled to Take Responsibility For Proper Disposal.
” if PSP Operator Fails To Collect Your Waste, Report Immediately To Lawma Through The Following Lawma Helpline Channels: 080000Lawma (08000052962), 07080601020″ he said.
He hinted that Surveillance And Enforcement Operatives From The Ministry Of Environment And Water Resources, Kai, as well as Lawma’S Surveillance Teams Are Fully Operational Across state saying that there Is A New Commitment To Arrest Prosecute, Name Shame All Convicted offenders.
“Let me reiterate that the ban on cart pushers has not been lifted because they are the ones that dump wastes indiscriminately across the state; As such residents should desist from patronizing them and always patronize registered PSP
Wahab mentioned that the World Environment Day Will Be Celebrated On June 5. With The Theme: “Ending Plastic Pollution” stating that it is a day to appreciate the environment and emphasize its care.
“As a state we are Committed To Ending The Scourge Of Plastic Waste In Our State. There Is No Going Back On The July 1 Deadline For The Commencement Of Enforcemment Of Ban On Single Use Plastics After An 18 Months Moratorium To Producers, Distributors And Users. We Are Also Stepping Up Our Advocacy For The Citizenry To Be Well Aware Of The Ban Which Is A Follow Up To That Of Styrofoam Food Packs” he said.
He thereafter appealed to residents to continue to maintain a cleaner environment as they celebrate the Ed-eil-Kabir this weekend adding that Lagosians should make the protection of the environment a priority during and after the salah celebration.
As We Prepare For The Sallah Festivities, As We All Know It Is A Major Festival;. During The Festival, A Lot Of Waste Will Be Generated when Slaughtering Of Rams And Other Types Of Livestock; let me Maintain A Clean And Hygienic Environment, Especially Around Homes, Markets, And Worship Centres. All Generated Wastes Should Be Sorted, Bagged And Handed Over To The Approved Psp Operators Across All The Wards In The State.
Present at the Meia briefing was the Special Adviser on Environment Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services Gaji Omobolaji and Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr Mahamood Adegbite, Managing Director LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, General Manager LASPARK, Mrs Adetoun Popoola, General Manager LASWAMO, Engr Adefemi Afolabi as well as other Directors in the Ministry.-PR
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