• LASG NABS 24 PERSONS, SEAL PROPERTY OVER ILLEGAL RECLAMATION IN BADAGRY.

    LASG NABS 24 PERSONS, SEAL PROPERTY OVER ILLEGAL RECLAMATION IN BADAGRY.

    The Lagos State Government on Monday arrested 24 persons engaging in reclamation of a wetland at Mosafejo Mowo in Badagry just as it sealed the premises of a private developer company (name withheld) that was constructing on the wetland.

    According to a statement from the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, the raid by security agents and officials from the department of Conservation and Ecology followed the non compliance of the company with several stop-Work notices served on them.

    The statement added that officials of the Ministry observed the series of encroachment during routine monitorings of wetland in the State and on the 1st of March, 2021 a stop work order was served on the company followed by a renewal on two different occasions.

    “A Stop-Work order dated 29th June 2021 was issued and served,but due to the failure of the company to present required approved documents and its refusal to stop work at the site, another Stop-Work order was served on 8th April, 2021 and this was followed with messages forwarded to the representatives of the company” the statement reads.

    The statement however, noted that the company responded to the second Stop-Work order on the 5th July 2021 by forwarding a survey plan claiming that the survey plan did not indicate that the site is a wetland, explaining that the land was bought from a third party and the tittle document was still being processed.

    “Without obtaining the wetland clearance approval, Environmental Impact Assessment (E.I.A), and Drainage clarance approval, the activities at the site is in contravention of the Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017 of Lagos State and National Environmental Impact Assessment Cap E12 LFN 2004”, the statement emphasised.

    The statement decried the alarming rate of wetlands loss in the State, calling for an urgent halt of the indiscriminate destruction of natural habitats, induced by unregulated human activities.

    “It had become necessary for all stakeholders to join hands for the protection of wetlands in Lagos State, considering the key roles played by wetlands in sustaining the environment”.

    The arrested persons have been handed over to security agents and will be arraigned after due investigations.

    Signed

    Kunle Adeshina
    Director (Public Affairs)
    MOE &WR
    August 31, 2021.

  • CHOLERA PREVENTION: LASG CHARGES RESIDENTS TO BE AT ALERT

    LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT
    MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER RESOURCES
    PUBLIC AFFAIRS UNIT

    PRESS RELEASE

    CHOLERA PREVENTION: LASG CHARGES RESIDENTS TO BE AT ALERT
    …..Calls for wholesome embrace of hygienic practices by all

    Lagos state Government on Sunday alerted residents to be wary of the outbreak of cholera in some parts of the country, urging everyone to embrace wholesome hygienic practices.

    In a statement signed by the State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello, he said residents must not wait until the state records cholera outbreak before they take preventive action or measures.

    He added that since cholera only thrives in unhygienic conditions, all practices such as open defecation, drinking untreated water from unclean sources, improper disposal of refuse and not washing hands with soap always must be stopped.

    He appealed to members of the public to own the process by ensuring that proper toilet facilities are provided in residences and when people are outdoors, public toilets or mobile toilets must be used.

    Tunji Bello added that all tenements and property owners must prevent exposure of loose refuse and that they are not only properly bagged but disposed through approved PSP operators to prevent flies from feasting of them.

    He informed that the present administration in Lagos State, very mindful of the large population of the state has embarked upon several sensitization campaigns to enlighten residents on the dangers of a cholera outbreak.

    Bello listed the measures to include door to door sensitization campaign round neighbourhoods and estates by environmental sanitation officers and public awareness campaign to markets, public places and parks.

    The Commissioner informed that awareness campaigns are also being stepped up in the mass media through jingles in English, Yoruba and pidgin to drive the message to the hinterlands.

    He warned that the state environmental Police which is also known as the Task Force Against Open Defecation has been empowered to step up its monitoring activities and apprehend anyone caught defecating in open places.

    Bello added that the same directive applies to Kick Against Indiscipline operatives round the state to enforce sanitation laws especially as it affects hygiene in public places.

     

    Signed
    Kunle Adeshina
    Director (Public Affairs)
    MOE &WR
    August 29, 2021

  • LASG REASSURES RESIDENTS OVER FLASH FLOOD ADVISORY FROM NIMET

    LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT

    MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER RESOURCES

    BLOCK 16

    The Secretariat, Ikeja

     

     

    LASG REASSURES RESIDENTS OVER FLASH FLOOD ADVISORY FROM NIMET

     

     

    ……Says measures are in place to contain heavy downpours in the state.

     

    Lagos State Government on Wednesday reassured residents that irrespective of the new rainfall advisory issued by the Nigerian Metrological Services (NIMET) on flash flooding, adequate measures are in place to contain any eventuality.

     

     

    Addressing the media at Alausa on the preparedness for heavy rainfalls which resume in September and the release of water from the Oyan Dam, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello said the capacity of primary and secondary drains have been enhanced through consistent cleaning and clearing to contain run offs.

    Pix 4179. L-R: Director Water Resources, Engr. Helen Taiwo; Honourable Commissioner, The Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello; Permanent Secretary Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Olalekan Shodeinde during the press briefing on resumed September rainfall held at the Conference Room of the Ministry of The Environment and Water Resources on Wednesday, 25th of August, 2021.

    “A practical demonstration of our preparedness was the over 10 hours rainfall experienced in Lagos on July 19 which resulted into flooding that submerged some houses and vehicles especially in Marina but which had disappeared the next morning, which was some eight to 10 hours after.”

     

     

    He explained that the same level of of preparedness is what the State has in store for the advisory by the management of Ogun Osun River Basin Authority on release of water from the Oyan Dam in September.

    He informed that Lagos State will maintain the long-established synergy and partnership with Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority which has ensured steady and systematic release of water from Oyan Dam to prevent flooding of the downstream communities.

    Pix 4218. L-R: Director Water Resources, Engr. Helen Taiwo; Honourable Commissioner, The Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello; Permanent Secretary Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Olalekan Shodeinde; Director Drainage Enforcement and Compliance, Engr. Mahmood Adegbite during the press briefing on resumed September rainfall held at the conference room of the Ministry of The Environment and Water Resources on Wednesday 25th of August, 2021.

     

     

    “We are stepping up the dredging and cleaning of all our channels and would also use the opportunity to once again put the residents of low-lying areas to be alert to be ready to move when rain of unusual intensity falls.

     

    He identified residents of areas especially those in the river banks like Agiliti, Ajegunle, Isheri North, Owode, Iwaya, Makoko, Badia, Ijora, Isaalu, Pota and Shibiri etc to bear this in mind.

     

     

    “All residents of the listed areas must be at alert to relocate to higher grounds to save their lives and properties when water is released by Oyan Dam authorities. For such people, they can always return to their abode when the water subsides” he stressed.

     

     

    Let me give an assurance to all residents that the proactive stance of the Ministry has always been “Be ready always”. We have always treated the 9 months of March to November as peak months of rainfall in our preparations. That is why we can never be caught napping” Bello assured.

     

     

     

    He stated further that one major contributory factor to possible flooding is the rise in sea level due to the costal nature of the State, saying that this has always posed risks to the State anytime there is high tidal movement which may “lock up” the discharge points of the drainage channels and until it recedes, there can be no discharge.

     

     

    “Such occurrences, also cause backflows, resulting to flooding. But as soon as the Lagoon recedes, all the generated storm water run-off will immediately discharge and our roads will be free of flash flood “ he explained.

     

     

    While appealing to residents to report cases of drainage blockages, dumping of waste into canals and other unauthorized places, Bello implored the people to continue to complement efforts of the State Government through regular clearing of drains in their frontages.

     

    He urged the public to desist from patronizing cart pushers as they are responsible for dumping waste into canals in the night after collecting money from residents for rendering services to them.

     

     

    He said the State Government recently commissioned 102 trucks and 100 dino bins so that PSP operators can serve residents in all LGAs and LCDAs better, adding that residents are free to report PSP operators in their areas when they perform below expectation.

     

     

    He stated that the Government is working on “Plastic Waste Policy” as plastics and styrofoam have become a major problem and as such government would find a way in reducing the use in order to reduce the use and control its prevalence.

     

     

     

    Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Lekan Shodeinde in his contribution, implored the people of Lagos to support Government effort through regular cleaning of the drainages in front of their houses.

     

     

    He said the State Government is not unmindful of its statutory duties at any point in time.

     

    Signed

     

    Kunle Adeshina

    Director (Public Affairs)

    MOE &WR

    August 25, 2021

  • WE WOULD CONTINUE TO ENHANCE PRODUCTIVITY, BOOST STAFF MORALE-TUNJI BELLO

    LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT

    MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER RESOURCES

    BLOCK 16

    The Secretariat, Ikeja

    PRESS RELEASE

     

    WE WOULD CONTINUE TO ENHANCE PRODUCTIVITY, BOOST STAFF MORALE-TUNJI BELLO

    … As Office of Drainage Services Holds Year 2021 Management Retreat

    The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources Tunji Bello over the weekend reiterated the commitment of the state to continually enhance productivity and boost the morale of members of staff from time to time.

    PIX 9254 L-R : Special Adviser on Drainage and Water Resources, Engr. Joe Igbokwe, Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Mrs Aderonke Odeneye, Hon. Commissioner Ministry of The Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello, Guest lecturer and Permanent Secretary Local Government Establishment and Pensions, Mr Abiodun Bamgboye and Permanent Secretary Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Engr. Nurudeen Sodeinde. during the year 2021 Management Retreat on Drainage in Lagos State held on the 20th of August 2021 at Pelican International Hotel, Lekki.

    Tunji Bello who spoke at a 3day Management Retreat organised by the Ministry at the Pelican Hotel, Lekki, with the theme, “Drainage Management in Lagos State, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”, added that the Government had prioritized capacity building as well as the issue of welfare of staff.

    He affirmed that the theme of the retreat is very significant as it is consistent with the vision to ensure inclusive growth, stating that social engineering has become imperative whereby drainage designs must have positive impacts on the society as a whole.

    He explained that it is high time residents’ engineers from the Ministry work closely with the Local Government Chairmen qnd authorities on how to embrace drainage maintenance, stressing that they need to be enlightened always that maintenance of tertiary drainages in their LGAs are their responsibilities while primary and secondary drainage maintenance are the responsibilities of the state government.

    According to him, “The Ministry needs to integrate Local Government in the drainage maintenance activities. The truth is without Local Government buy-in, we cannot achieve the desired maintenance of our tertiary drainages, which explains the reasons why their inputs are being sought for continuous drainage maintenance sustainability”.

    Bello commended the efforts of the Emergency Flood Abatement Gangs (EFAG) of the Ministry for consistently de-silting and working on various linkages to the secondary and primary channels in all the 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas throughout the year to enable them to discharge efficiently and regularly.

    He encouraged participants to avail themselves of the opportunity of being equipped with the right skills at the retreat, adding that they should not rest on their oars, but continue to exhibit a high sense of responsibility and commitment to duty which are the qualities and values required from them.

    The Special Adviser on Drainage and Water Resources, Engr. Joe Igbokwe stressed that the theme “Drainage Management in Lagos State, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” will lay a strong foundation for the future development of Lagos State.

    He said the present administration led by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu believes in staff capacity building, noting that the State Government has invested enormously in same via human resource development for optimal performance regularly.

    “I will continue to express my great appreciation to every one of you for always contributing your quota immensely to the development of the state. I want you to always bear in mind that the reward for hard work is more work. So I want you to focus on the future which will be determined by your actions of today”, he said.

    He urged participants to use the opportunity of the retreat to learn new things on result-oriented excellent service delivery, stressing that the future they anticipated would become a reality if they remain open to innovative ideas and the continuous search for better ways of discharging their duties.

    The Permanent Secretary, Local Government Establishment, Training and Pensions, Mr Abiodun Bamgboye who spoke on Emotional Intellgence otherwise known as Emotional Quotient stated that it is critical for every leader to manage his own emotions and understand himself because emotions can drive behaviour.

    He stated that a leader must always emphasise and put himself in the shoes of subordinates and must not abdicate his responsibilities and powers

    The MD/CEO LAWMA, Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni while who delivered a lecture titled “Municipal Solid Wastes Management and Drainage Maintenance in Lagos State – The LAWMA Experience” stated that Marine Waste Operation started with 17 marine waste service providers and assigned to over 30 shorelines and major canals across the state.

    He added that LAWMA had been engaged in the massive evacuation of waste from canals and drainage since May 2020 in line with THEMES AGENDA, noting that the agency had also partnered with various NGOs and recyclers across the state.

    Also the Head, Projects Arts in Science Ltd, Mr. Inyang Effiong, in his paper titled “Technology for Effective Drainage Channel Management”, said in building and maintaining of the drainage channels, technology must be put into consideration adding that technology application helps in solving drainage problems and improve on existing ones.

    He stressed that technology application helps to know the present condition of channels, what interventions are required, what will work with the reality on ground and selecting the best effective solution always.

    Signed

    Kunle Adeshina

    Director (Public Affairs)

    MOE &WR

    August 22, 2021.

  • LASG RALLIES STAKEHOLDERS SUPPORT AS CONSTRUCTION OF IWAYA DRAINAGE CHANNELS BEGIN

    LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT

    MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER RESOURCES

    BLOCK 16

    The Secretariat, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.

    PRESS RELEASE

     

    LASG RALLIES STAKEHOLDERS SUPPORT AS CONSTRUCTION OF IWAYA DRAINAGE CHANNELS BEGIN

     

     

    The Lagos State Government on Wednesday rallied the support and cooperation of stakeholders and residents of Majaro, Iwaya, Alara and Adeshina in Lagos Mainland as work commences on System 3C and Alara /Adeshina collector drains in order to permanently curb the menace of flooding in the areas.

     

    Addressing stakeholders at a meeting held at Fazil-Omar Senior High school, Iwaya, Yaba Lagos on the project, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tunji Bello said the flooding issue in Iwaya and environ had become of serious concern to government.

     

    The Commissioner who was represented by the Director, Drainage Enforcement and compliance, Engr. Mahmoud Adegbite explained that the Majaro/Iwaya primary channel – System 3c is one of the major channels in Iwaya, Yaba LCDA in Lagos Mainland Local Government, adding that the concrete lining will effectively enhance the free flow of storm water within the communities in the area.

     

    He added that Alara /Dacosta/Adeshina collector drain is in its earth stage, stressing that the construction of the upstream and downstream would give a facelift to the communities and compliment the rapid development of the area.

     

    He stated that the Sanwo olu administration is determined to prevent further loss of lives and properties occasioned by flooding and that was what necessitated the award of the contract in the first place.

     

    He said the construction of these Drainage Channels would contribute to sustainable development and a quality living environment for all, adding that the cooperation of all residents was necessary to see the contract through.

     

    According to him, “without your robust contributions and buy-in, we cannot achieve the desired success, which explains the reason why your inputs are being sought as we commence the job”.

     

    He charged residents in the areas to observe the going -on at the site in order to supervise the project and report their complaints to the Ministry incase of noticed discrepancy as regards the project.

     

    In his address, Honourable member of the State House of Assembly representing Lagos Mainland 2, Hon Olanrewaju Oshun. Lanre Oshin, appealed to the residents to collaborate with the State Government on the construction of the major drainage channels in the axis.

     

    He noted that construction of canals is going on in various areas across the state for water to flow naturally, stressing that government will not relent in performing its responsibilities of maintaining a flood free and clean environment.

     

    He appealed to residents to take ownership of the project after completion and desist from the arbitrary dumping of refuse into canals in order to continuously sustain a flood-free Lagos.

     

    Giving a background on the scope of the project, the director drainage construction, Engr. Dapo Ajadi said System 3C channel is a major channel in Iwaya within Yaba LCDA starting from Olu Osifeso to the confluence point Alara Onike Oko Agbon channel while the channel upstream start from Olu Osifeso street, through Igbore street, Arowolo street, Omodunni street, Makoko Communities and its environs and eventually discharge into the Lagos Lagoon through System 3B Alara Onike Oko Agbon Channel.

     

    He added that the project at Iwaya include the Construction of one Rectangular Drain measuring 100metres and two Trapezoidal Drain measuring 850 metres, adding that the Alara/Dacosta/Adeshina collector drain takes its source from Alara/ Dacosta street, through Adeshina street, linking up to Zanzi street and draining storm water runoff from these streets and its environs through Sewanu to outfall at System 3b.

     

    He added that the downstream section to be concrete lined is Alara/Onike/Oko Agbon /Makoko Primary channel that takes stormwater runoff from Bickeresteth estate in Iwaya. Olajide street, Gbede street, Sojinu street, Oko Agbon , Makoko adding that a Rectangular Drain of 400metres and Trapezoidal Drain 100metre will be constructed.

     

    The Chairman, Stakeholders forum in Iwaya community, who also spoke, Chief F. A Ogunbanjo, commended government for the laudable project urging community members that achieving the project may come with some pains as building on the setback and alignment may be moved, but it will be beneficial to all residents on the long run.

     

    He thereafter assured government of the cooperation of the residents of Iwaya.

     

     

     

    Signed

    kunle Adeshina

    Director (Public Affairs)

    MOE & WR.

     

    August 18, 2021.

  • LAWMA INTENSIFIES OPERATION

    PRESS RELEASE

    LAWMA INTENSIFIES OPERATION

    …To Complete Landfills Rehabilitation in Days

    Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has rejuvenated its operations around the state, taking full advantage of the new waste collection trucks and the double dino bins injected into its fleet by Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in line with his administration’s drive towards actualising the second pillar of the ‘THEMES’ Agenda: Health and Environment.

    The huge advantage that the trucks has brought into waste management in recent times cannot be overemphasized, as the capacity to collect, transport and dispose waste has greatly improved, their presence in a ubiquitous manner can be felt in every nook and space of the state and steadily, an hitherto huge waste that adorn the landscape is gradually and steadily disappearing, to the delight and satisfaction of Lagosians.

    The narrative is indeed changing and we will take full advantage of this, by not resting on our oars until our primary objective ensuring a sustainably clean environment is achieved.

    Another major component of the Authority’s operational drive is the landfill rehabilitation.
    The major landfills scattered all over the state are currently undergoing rehabilitation process which has really affected our operations and a noticeable feature is the presence of traffic around the areas.

    It is of note that the rehabilitation of these landfills, especially capping, road networks, upgrading and the likes actually started around March this year, but unfortunately, activities were greatly hampered due to the rains and the process was forced to stop by the end of April/May, due to the bad and unfriendly weather.

    Work has, however, resumed in earnest on the landfills, taking advantage of the August break and we want to assure Lagosians that, in the next ten days, the exercise will be completed and the good news is that, the turn-around time will radically improve and the traffic snarl around those landfills, triggered by the rehabilitation works will disappear.

    In equal terms, some of those old LAWMA collection trucks would be boarded to some of the PSP operators, whose trucks were destroyed during the unfortunate EndSARS protest, to support their operations, increase their capacity for better service delivery and optimal performance. A committee has been constituted in this regards in order to ensure transparency and that due process followed, just like the previous one which had already been completed.

    The Authority wants to assure Lagosians that it will continue to, not only seek guidance from the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources from time to time, but also collaborate on formulation of right policies, programmes and directions, in order to ensure a clean cityscape, as well as create a people-friendly and sustainably clean Environment livable for all.

    Furthermore, LAWMA will improve and upscale its regulatory role, through constant monitoring of the over 450 PSP operators across the state for efficiency and compliance, our Marine operations; Medical Waste; School Waste; Market operations; Construction, Demolition and Disaster Waste operations (E-waste inclusive); Recycling programme; Waste to Energy; Waste to Wealth and over 15 waste management programmes that the Authority oversees.

    The Authority hereby appeal to Lagosians for their understanding, patience and support as we employ all scientific and technological methods to bringing about a sustainably cleaner environment for the good of everyone.

    While assuring you of our total commitment to our filial duties and responsibility, we want to use this medium to once again, ask Lagosians and tenements not to dump refuse indiscriminately in unauthorised places, patronise our assigned PSP operators and pay your waste bills promptly, for better and efficient waste management delivery in order to ensure a sustainably cleaner environment.

  • WE’LL STEP UP ADVOCACY AGAINST WETLANDS ENCROACHMENT-LASG

    LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT

    MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER RESOURCES

    BLOCK 16

    The Secretariat, Ikeja

    PRESS RELEASE

     

    WE’LL STEP UP ADVOCACY AGAINST WETLANDS ENCROACHMENT-LASG

    …….holds second awareness campaign at Lagos East Senatorial District.

    The Lagos State Government on Wednesday reiterated its commitment to step up advocacy/Awareness campaign against wetlands encroachment and educate residents on its importance to the ecology and economy of the state.

    Speaking at a Advocacy programme on Wetlands and Biodiversity Conservation for Lagos East Senatorial District held at the Afe Babalola Hall, University of Lagos, Akoka, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello said such awareness is required in order to foster community participation in Wetlands Management across the State.

    He said the Government is committed to protecting the wetlands flora and fauna, its Biodiversity, Conservation and Management through efficient ecosystem functions not only because it is habitat to a wide range of species of plants and water animals, but also to sustain the livelihood of millions of people that depend on these regions for their survival.

    The Commissioner who spoke through the Special Adviser on Drainage and Water Resources, Engr Joe Igbokwe stressed that there is no better time than now for the Government to scale-up the level of awareness amongst the residents of the East Senatorial District, and Lagosians as a whole on the Importance of Wetlands Conservation to the Community.

    He said the theme for the Programme, ‘WE ARE PART OF THE SOLUTION # FOR NATURE BIODIVERSITY’ was aimed to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystem and human well-being by addressing the growing challenges in preventing wetlands encroachment in the state.

    He added that the advocacy would help to restore degraded wetlands, protection of identified wetlands and restriction of human activities on wetlands areas, proper soil management, fighting biodiversity loss and encouraging Government, Organizations, Communities and Individuals around the world to commit to proactively improving Wetland Management.

    He explained that Advocacy Programmes on Wetlands and Biodiversity Conservation is a matter of global importance that is dear to all due to recent climate change, other adverse effects of Biodiversity loss and Habitat destruction caused by the growing demands of Industrialization, Housing needs and Urbanization in the Society today.

    “The United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021 to 2030 stated the fundamental and urgent need for the restoration of ecosystem to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by ‘Preventing, halting and reversing the degradation of ecosystems worldwide” he said.

    He stressed that in order to maintain the effective functionality of the wetlands ecosystem, it is important that action be taken now to protect it from the urban encroachment that is beginning to make its mark.

    He said Wetlands are important features in the landscape that provide numerous beneficial services for people, fish and wildlife adding that some of the functions include protecting and improving water quality, providing food, habitat for fish and wildlife, storing floodwaters and maintaining surface water flow during dry periods.

    The Commissioner emphasized that holding capacity of Wetlands helps control floods and prevents water logging of crops. Preserving and restoring wetlands together with other water retention can often provide the level of flood control otherwise provided by expensive dredging operations and levies.

    He revealed that it is imperative for the Government to act now to mitigate against adverse effects of wrong management of the ecosystem, adding that Government has commenced activities to prevent further wetlands encroachment and to preserve the biodiversity across the state.

    He said some of these activities include Identification of all Wetland areas in Lagos State, erecting sign posts in all identified wetlands within the five divisions in Lagos State, effective monitoring exercise on all wetlands in the state to prevent further encroachment and develop both Yafin and Itoikin Wetlands into a potential tourism resource centre.

    Mr. Bello reiterated that it remains imperative for the Government to ensure a safe, resilient and sustainable Lagos through the conservation and restoration of terrestrial and aquatic natural resources for the wellbeing of the citizens in urban and rural areas of the State

    He advised residents to desist from the unwholesome act of dumping refuse or using wastes to reclaim wetlands but rather devise better ways to use wetland economically adding that the Government through the Ministry would ensure the special service offered humanity through the wetlands in the state is preserved and maintained for posterity.

    Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary Office of Environmental Services, Mrs. Belinda Odeneye, noted that this is the second in the series of awareness campaign planned for this year which is an extension of the International Day Celebration in order to educate the people on the importance of wetlands.

    She explained that Wetlands are indispensable for the countless benefits or “ecosystem services” which provide humanity, ranging from freshwater supply, food and building materials, and biodiversity, to flood control, groundwater recharge, and climate change mitigation.

    According to her, this is in line with THEMES Agenda and The SDG 15 target 5 that advocates, taking urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, protect, and prevent the extinction of threatened species.

    She added that it is important to note that the Government through the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources is committed to the entire SDG’s (1-17) and her THEMES Agenda;Goals 11-15 of the SDG, addresses environmental challenges.

    She stated that the Government is bringing this awareness campaign to the community and the people in order to further educate and participate in their development and ensure their commitment to sustainable environment.

    She urged everyone to contribute to securing a healthy flood-free and prosperous future for the generation unborn adding that this is the time to take ownership by maintaining and restoring our wetland Ecosystem.

    The guest lecturer and Dean of Post Graduate School, University of Lagos, Prof. Alabi Soneye said spoke said Lagos is facing unprecedented pressure on wetlands as a result of limited land space for housing development, excessive dredging and other anthropogenic activities stressing that these activities have led to the rapid decline numbers and sizes of the wetlands across the state.

    He urged everyone to improve on poor urban planning and weak development control; non adherence to land use and zoning plans; poor sanitation and waste management in the state.

     

    Signed

     

    Kunle Adeshina

    Director (Public Affairs)

    MOE &WR

    August 11, 2021.

  • LASG UNVEILS CITI MONITOR APP FOR REPORTING ENVIRONMENTAL INFRACTIONS

    The quest for a cleaner Lagos city initiative through citizens participation got a boost over the weekend as the State unveiled  an online application known as “Citi Monitor” for monitoring and reporting of all environmental infractions.

    Launching the app named  “CitiMonitor Application and Enterprise Environmental Monitoring Infrastructure Information system (EEMIIS)”  at Alausa, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello stated that it would give government a wider reach in monitoring and responding to environmental issues reported by residents.

    “This app will maximise the reach of the government using the large population of Lagos, it will get to the nooks and crannies and it will help us to better report the state of the environment from blockage of our canals, to indiscriminate waste dumping and every other infractions”, he said.

    Tunji Bello who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Mrs Belinda Odeneye  explained that the application, which the state government had been test running for sometime was now available for download on Google Play Store and Apple IOS Store.

    He added that there are complaints and reports of infractions on daily basis on flooding, damaged roads, dilapidated building, illegal petrol stations, security violations, unlawful human activities, vehicle traffic situations, abandoned vehicles and other environmentally related issues that are underreported or not reported at all in the state.

    Tunji Bello encouraged residents to avail themselves of the opportunity of downloading the App as it is clear that it would help them take ownership of the environment of the state as the citizens are the primary custodians.

    He added that some selected officers of the Ministry are already using the application including 25 officers from the State-of-the Environment programme while other officers on the programme are expected to log on after the Launching.

    He said that residents could still make use of the WhatsApp, text messages and other means to also report environmental infractions.

    Also speaking, the software developer, Mr. Ayodeji Faniran said “Citi Monitor” became necessary in line with emerging trends especially in the utilization of science and technology.

    He explained that one of the unique features of the app is that it is configured to capture real-time images within the Lagos geographical locations only.

    “You cannot upload pictures from your gallery, you cannot submit pictures from other parts of the country or the world, only pictures from Lagos State can be submitted, and once you click the picture anywhere in Lagos State, it’s going to have the time stamp, the location/address and then you can pick the local government and the markets. All local governments and markets in Lagos State have been configured” Mr Faniran said.

    Mr Faniran added that plans were been made to introduce other languages, especially the Yoruba language to enable more residents of Lagos to use the app which is currently configured in the English language.

    Signed
    Kunle Adeshina
    Director (Public Affairs)
    MOE &WR
    August 1, 2021

  • ADEQUATE MEASURES IN PLACE TO CONTAIN HEAVY RAINFALL – LASG

    …Says over 800KM covering 70 primary channels worked on

    The Lagos State Government on Wednesday reassured residents that the present administration has put adequate measures in place to contain heavy rainfalls that the State will experience this year.

    This was stated by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources Engr Lekan Shodeinde at the Alausa Secretariat while speaking with newsmen.

    Allaying fears of residents on impact of more rainfalls this year, he revealed that so far, the Office has worked on 70 primary channels across the State measuring over 800KM.

    He reiterated that continually put in place to effectively manage the flash floods that the Drainage Office is embarking on all year round drainage cleaning measures to control flooding.

    He explained that the volume of rainfall experienced on the 16th of July in Lagos was high intensity as it is on record that it rained for over 7hrs, adding that 2hrs after the rains, the water had receeded saying this was as a result of clean and working channels.

    Shodeinde explained that rainfall is a natural event and that rainfall in July was global as it resulted in flooding all over the world, with many yet to recover from its effect, urging residents not to entertain fears about more rainfalls.

    He stated that drainages are designed conveyor system meant to carry a particular capacity of rain water which when exceeded results into flooding

    Said he: “Almighty God who is the master planner created the ground to soak up 50% of rain water through parcolation , 40% was designed to be soaked up by natural grasses, trees and other plants while only the remaining 10% was supposed to go into the drains”.

    He noted that due to building designs, a lot of residents have concretized their surroundings and do not reserve areas for greens and plants thereby throwing the whole 100% rainwater into the drains.

    Shodeinde sounded a note of warning to those engaging in the unwholesome acts of indiscriminate refuse dumping to desist from such act, saying that the Ministry has empowered its environmental enforcement agents to arrest and prosecute sanitation offenders in the state.

    The Permanent Secretary thereafter advised Lagosians to be safety conscious during this period and urged them to take some safety measures such as avoid going out during the rains except only when it is absolutely necessary.

    He also advised residents to be conscious when driving and do not over speed, ensuring that vehicles are in good condition and avoid driving through flooded areas as it might be difficult to ascertain its depth.

    Kunle Adeshina
    Director (Public Affairs)
    MOE &WR
    July 28, 2021.

  • SALLAH CELEBRATION: LASG CHARGES RESIDENTS NOT TO ERODE GAINS OF A CLEANER LAGOS WITH UNSANITARY HABITS

    …….Reiterates ban on sale of rams, cows on Highways, Parks, Medians

    The Lagos State Government on Monday reminded residents to ensure that the gains already made towards a cleaner environment in the city are not eroded as they join Muslims in celebrating the Ed-eil-Kabir.

    In a statement signed by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr.Tunji Bello, he said residents should complement the concerted efforts of the various agencies in the timely evacuation of waste and cleaning of drains especially during the festive period.

    He said all waste generated through the slaughtering of rams and other animals and waste from food items should be properly disposed after bagging through approved PSP operators, just as everyone must avoid unsanitary actions.

    Bello, while felicitating with all Muslims, urged Lagosians to celebrate with moderation, bearing in mind that the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us.

    He added that for all those who will make public outings during the holidays, they should avoid littering while observing Covid safety protocols.

    His words: “In view of the prevalence of the pandemic COVID-19 and observance of the prescribed safety protocols, everyone must always ensure that they handle waste in the most appropriate ways”.

    Bello also used the opportunity to remind Lagosians that the Law against street trading is still in force, stating that any form of street trading which includes display of rams on major highways, road medians, walkways, lay-byes, gardens and parks across the State will not be tolerated.

    He said that while it is not unusual for traders to take advantage of the season to market and sell rams and other livestocks, this must be done in designated markets without defacing the state’s aesthetics or compromising the wellness and wellbeing of residents.

    Kunle Adeshina
    Director (Public Affairs)
    MOE &WR

    July 19th 2021