• LASG RESTATES RESOLVE TO ADDRESS ISSUES OF EMISSION, CONVENES STRATEGIC MEETING ON ADOPTION OF SOLAR RENEWABLES

    By

    The Lagos State Government Tuesday restated its commitment to address the issues of emissions as it convened a high-level validation workshop on the gaps and needs assessment for energy projects as part of the efforts to adopt solar renewables across the state.

    Speaking at a workshop held at the Protea Hotel, Alausa, Ikeja, Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services Mr. Tajudeen Gaji stated that from the last emission inventory, the energy sector has the highest ranking in the State emission profile.

    He added that to address this, the adoption of solar renewables was recommended in the Lagos Climate Action Plan.

    He said the document had been painstakingly examined, stressing that it now requires everyone’s commitment to put Lagos on the emission reduction trajectory and taking global actions.

    Head of Service, Mrs Bopo Ismaila-Oyekan, Representative of Head of Service/Director Post Service Dept, Mrs Bukonla Durodola, Chairman Nigeria Institute of Environmental Engineers (Lagos Chapter)Engr. Yusuf Majolagbe, Representative of Permanent Secretary Office of Environmental Services/ Director Education Unit, Office of Environmental Services,Mrs Monsurat Banire and Imam Abdul-Hakeem Kosoko, during the Flag off of “No Plastic Campaign” within the Secretariat, Alausa Ikeja, as part of activities to commemorate the World Environment Day Celebrations held on Wednesday the 31st of May 2023.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    He said it is imperative to state that under the Consultancy of Lagos Urban Development Initiative (LUDI), the assessment exploited a variety of approach from the inception report, stakeholder mapping, bilateral engagements as well as a ‘Charrette’ to come up with the business and financial models to deliver the project.

    He said the high-level validation on the Energy Assessment report cuts across all relevant stakeholders for the endorsement of the document.

    He commended the assistance of the UKAid and C40 Cities for the Technical Assistance under the Climate Action Implementation Africa Programme (CAI) facilitated by C40 Cities Leadership group for footing the bill to conduct the gaps and need assessment on Distribution of Solar Solutions for Residential apartments and Small and Medium Enterprises in Lagos.

    He expressed gratitude to the Government of the United Kingdom, State Ministries, Departments and Agencies, technical experts, the academia, civil society organizations and the private sectors for their immense contributions during the course of the technical assistance.

    During his presentation, the City Adviser, C40 Cities, Mr. Maximus Ugwwuoke noted that the Climate Action Plans are stepping stones to effective, integrated and transformative implementation and climate response.

    He said embedding climate action plans into cities’ governance, planning and decision-making structures and supporting continued monitoring and progressing of climate actions.

    He added that investments in the energy sector have great potential in creating green jobs, improving quality of life and promoting good health.

    L-R Representative of the Permanent Secretary Education District 4, Mrs Iyabo Seriki-Bello, Representative of Permanent Secretary LASIEC, Mr Ademola Gbadegesin, Representative of Permanent Secretary, Judicial Service Commission, Mrs Maryam Oyesiji, British Deputy High Commission,Mr Kris Camponi and Representative of Permanent Secretary Education District II, Mrs Amaka Ojo, during the High-Level Validation Workshop on Gaps Needs Assessment for Energy Project in Lagos State held at the Protea Hotel, Assbifi Road, Ikeja Lagos, on the 31st of May, 2023.

    In another presentation, a consultant from Lagos Urban Development Initiative (LUDI) Mrs. Olamide Udoma-Ejorh explained that Lagos State has 4 laws, acts and policies that have been identified to be significant to this project.

    She listed the laws as the Lagos State Government Electricity Policy (2021);
    Lagos State Integrated Resource Plan;
    Lagos State Climate Action Plan (2020-2025) and the Lagos State Resilience Strategy.

    She said the Nigerian off-grid solar market is considered to be the fastest
    growing in Africa at an average annual rate of 22% for the past five years.

    The event attracted chief executives of many agencies across the state.

    Signed

    ADEKUNLE Adeshina
    Director (Public Affairs)
    MOE &WR
    MAY 30th 2023

  • WE’LL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL WEATHER ADVISORIES TO ENSURE A FLOOD FREE LAGOS-LASG

    By

    The Lagos State Government on Thursday reiterated its commitment to providing essential weather advisories to stakeholders, planners, decision-makers, and operators in socio-economic sectors across the state to ensure a flood-free state.

    Speaking during a Downscaling workshop on the Seasonal Climate Predictions and Socio-Economic implications for the state, held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Alausa, the Permanent Secretary Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Olalekan Shodeinde said the
    provision of the advisories to various rainfall-sensitive sectors such as Agriculture, Transportation, Water Resources, Health, Environment, and Construction amongst others is highly essential.

    Shodeinde who Spoke through the Director, of Drainage Enforcement and Compliance, Engr. Mahmood Adegbite said the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Ministry had released the annual Seasonal Climate Predictions (SCP) earlier in the year to sensitize the public on the socio-economic implication of the rainy season.

    PIX 7564/7570: L-R: Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Ogun/Osun river basin , Otunba Olufemi Odumosu, Representative of Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage and Water Resources and Director, Drainage Enforcement and Compliance Engr. Mahmood Adegbite, Director Water Resources, Office of Drainage and Water Resources, Engr. Lanke Taiwo and Representative of General Manager, Nigeria Metrological Agency (NiMET), Mr. Oyegade Adeleke during a one day programme for downscaling of the year 2023 seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) in Lagos State. Held on the 18th of May 2023, at the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo drive, Ikeja.

    He added that the Lagos State Government in collaboration with (NiMet) this year provided relevant stakeholders with detailed information that would enable Organizations to prepare sufficiently for the impact of the rainy season saying this is in line with the request of participants present at the Review of Y2022 SCP hosted by the Ministry.

    “At this juncture, we want to assure you that our State will continue to reap the benefits of careful and rigorous planning, as our flood control measures are being stepped up to contain any imminent rainfall,” he said.

    He said the Ministry as usual has embarked on an all-year-round drainage maintenance program for effective and efficient flood control, as well as upgrading its early warning system with the installation of automatic weather stations and river gauge stations.

    He added that the Ministry reignited its sensitization campaign using established media platforms which include Tv, radio, print and social media as well as door to door campaign through stakeholder engagement strategy and visitation to affected communities speaking with community leaders and residents alike.

    He emphasized that the Government remains determined to maintain the long-existing synergy with the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Authority (OORBDA), which has ensured control and monitoring of the steady and systemic release of water from Oyan Dam to prevent flooding of the downstream reaches of the Ogun River.

    The Permanent Secretary urged the residents to continually support the efforts of the Government through the regular clearing of drains in their frontage to ensure free-flow of stormwater as well as desist from dumping of refuse into drainage channels.

    Shodeinde advised the general public to stop the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in unauthorized places, clogging of drains with silt or construction materials, and erecting structures within and around drainage Right of Ways and setbacks.

    He enjoined residents to report cases of drainage blockages, to Resident Engineers present in all Local Government Areas / Local Government Development Areas and zero tolerance offices across the state.

    PIX 7564/7570: L-R: Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Ogun/Osun river basin , Otunba Olufemi Odumosu, Representative of Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage and Water Resources and Director, Drainage Enforcement and Compliance Engr. Mahmood Adegbite, Director Water Resources, Office of Drainage and Water Resources, Engr. Lanke Taiwo and Representative of General Manager, Nigeria Metrological Agency (NiMET), Mr. Oyegade Adeleke during a one day programme for downscaling of the year 2023 seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) in Lagos State. Held on the 18th of May 2023, at the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo drive, Ikeja.

    In his presentation, the Director General NIMET represented Mr Oyegade Adeleke noted that high intensity of rainfall is expected from May to June with the probability of having above 50mm in one day at 80% in Badagry, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Epe, Eti-Osa, Ibeju/Lekki and Ikeja.

    He added that in September, the probability of having 100mm in one-day rainfall is 95% Statewide, stressing that the length of the rainy season is anticipated to vary between 242 to 245 days.

    He said the onset of the rainy season is anticipated to start in the southern part.

  • MEGA PUMPING STATION TO PERMANENTLY ADDRESS ISSUE OF FLOODING IN LAGOS ISLAND TO COME ON STREAM IN JULY

    By

    PRESS RELEASE

    Lagos State Government on Wednesday assured of July ending completion of work on a mega pumping station being constructed in Ilubirin to permanently address the issue of flooding in Lagos Island.

    Speaking with newsmen after an assessment tour of level of work on the pumping station located in the Ilubirin Estate, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Engineer Nurudeen Shodeinde said when completed, the station will address the perennial flooding issues in Adeniji, Oroyinyin, Idumagbo, Ojo Giwa, Jankara and environs

    According to Shodeinde, construction work on the mega pumping station is expected to be concluded by end of July and will permanently solve the problem of back flowing of water from the Lagoon to the listed areas causing the water to remain stagnant.

    L-R. – Director, Drainage Construction, Office of Drainage Services Engr. Dapo Ajadi, Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Engr. Lekan Shodeinde and Director, Drainage Enforcement and Compliance, Engr. Mahmood Adegbite discussing a point of interest during a project tour to the Construction site of a New Mega Pumping Station at Ilubirin Housing Estate to end incessant flooding of Lagos Island on the 3rd of May, 2023.

    He stressed that three mega turbine pumps with the capacity to pump 3million liters of storm water per hour will be installed at the station to continuously pump water into the lagoon.

    He explained that the Big turbine pumps are designed to function automatically and self operating while being powered majorly by public power electricity which will be backed up with a 350KVA generator with capacity to pump any accumulated water.

    The Permanent Secretary stressed that the major problem responsible for flooding is the depressed nature of the affected areas which makes it difficult for water to naturally drain into the Lagoon saying that the situation prompted the State to also construct a new rectangular drainage outlet at the Ilubirin end which is higher than the sea level.

    He explained that water is moved either by gravity or by pumping, bearing in mind that Lagos Island is the lowest-lying part of the state and has made it difficult for water to flow into the lagoon, hence a sump which is 20 by 20 meters in length and breadth and 6-7meters deep into the ground will be created where the three turbine pumping machines will be installed thereby creating artificial energy to pump the storm water out into the lagoon.

    He explained further that the Turbine pumps which are individually 4meters high will be installed deep into the water to maintain the temperature of the coils of the pump with a discharge point that is created higher than the level of the lagoon, adding that after the completion of the project, there will be no record of water flowing back from the lagoon into the communities.

    Shodeinde said the mega pumping station project will replace the temporary wall embarkment constructed at Ilubirin that was aimed at preventing the back flow of the Lagoon.

    L-R. – Director, Drainage Construction, Office of Drainage Services Engr. Dapo Ajadi, Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Engr. Lekan Shodeinde and Director, Drainage Enforcement and Compliance, Engr. Mahmood Adegbite discussing a point of interest during a project tour to the Construction site of a New Mega Pumping Station at Ilubirin Housing Estate to end incessant flooding of Lagos Island on the 3rd of May, 2023.

    He stressed that was being experienced in Adeniji and environs can also be regarded as one of the effects of climate change, saying though Lagos has been projected as one of the sinking cities of the world but no Government will fold its hands and not put measures in place to avert such projections.

    He thereafter adviced residents of Lagos Island to desist from dumping refuse into the drains and canals, urging them to take ownership of their environment by moving against individuals who are in the habit as this has become a major contributor to flooding in the State.

    The Permanent Secretary was accompanied by the Directors of Drainage Monitoring, Enforcement and Compliance, Engr Kunle Adegbite, Drainage Construction, Engr Dapo Ajadi and Drainage Maintenance, Engr Olalekan Ajani amongst others.

    Signed
    Kunle Adeshina
    Director Public Affairs
    MOE&WR

    May 3rd 2023.

  • LAGOSIANS, STOP UNDUE ATTACKS AGAINST KAI!

    By

    Some seemingly little things that happen in Lagos state echo across the federation in no time!
    Many of us easily find the need to challenge our government on the need to emulate foreign countries with clean streets across the city but if you talk to a street cleaner or any other person mandated with such duties, he’ll tell you how deep our collective attitudes negate possibilities of actualizing such expectations.

    Easily too, we sometimes find it easy to conclude that officials of Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) are only being ‘wicked’ when they strive to carry out their statutory duties.
    Some little things that happen in Lagos sometimes become issues for discussion in other parts of the federation. One of the more cent ones is the viral video of the female street trader whose viral video got ‘enriched’ with claims that the stall she put up along the street was only being demolished because a staff of KAI once made sexual advances towards her!
    I was one of those whose immediate reaction was to take sides with the woman who was claiming oppression and extortion. However, careful findings later indicated that her claims ‘get as e be’.

    But have we easily forgotten that KAI was born through a lofty vision to ensure better quality of life for all im a sustainable way?

    The Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) is a government agency that was established to enforce discipline and orderliness in Lagos, a city that daily attracts people from all parts of Nigeria. The agency is responsible for ensuring that Lagos residents comply with the state’s environmental and traffic laws.

    Unfortunately, the agency has received numerous sentimental attacks from some citizens, who accuse the agency of being too harsh in enforcing these laws. However, it is essential to stop these sentimental attacks and support the agency for the following reasons that appear obvious, even to visitors like us who live hundreds of miles away.

    Firstly, KAI’s primary objective is to make Lagos a better place for everyone. By enforcing environmental and traffic laws, the agency is ensuring that the state is clean and safe for all residents. This means that the agency is working towards the common good of all Lagosian, and any attacks against the agency are attacks against the common good.

    Secondly, KAI’s enforcement of environmental and traffic laws has resulted in a significant reduction in crime rates in Lagos. The agency’s efforts have made it difficult for criminals to operate, and this has led to a safer environment for residents. By attacking the agency, citizens are indirectly supporting criminal activities and making Lagos an unsafe place to live.

    Thirdly, the sentimental attacks against KAI are often unfounded and based on misinformation. The agency is often accused of being too harsh in enforcing laws, but this is not entirely true. The agency operates within the confines of the law, and its actions are necessary to maintain order in the state. Citizens should take the time to understand the agency’s mandate and the laws it enforces before making unfounded accusations.

    KAI is a government agency, and attacking it is an attack on the government itself. The government has put the agency in place to ensure that laws are enforced, and it is our responsibility as citizens to support the government’s efforts. By attacking the agency, citizens are undermining the government’s authority and sending the wrong message to other government agencies.
    In conclusion, it is imperative to stop sentimental attacks against KAI and support the agency in its efforts to make Lagos a better place. The agency’s mandate is to enforce environmental and traffic laws, and it is necessary for the common good. The agency’s efforts have also contributed to a safer Lagos, and any attacks against the agency are indirectly supporting criminal activities. It is also essential to note that the sentimental attacks against KAI are often unfounded and based on misinformation. Therefore, citizens should take the time to understand the agency’s mandate and the laws it enforces before making unfounded accusations.

    Jide Babalola, an Abuja-based journalist is a regular visitor to Lagos.

  • KAI REFUTES CLAIMS OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT BY FEMALE STREET TRADER IN VIRAL FACEBOOK VIDEO AT OYINGBO MARKET

    By

    The Kick Against Indiscipline KAI has refuted the contents of a viral video on Facebook where a female street trader at OYINGBO market accused the officers of sexual harassment while dislodging street traders, saying the clearance operation was duly authorized to dislodge traders who have completely taken over the walkway opposite the market after repeated warnings.

    In a statement by the KAI Corps Marshal, Mrs Gbemi Akinpelu (CP rtd), the agency said the female trader was only trying to whip up sentiments to deter the agency from carrying its duties.

    She added that investigation revealed that the said woman has constituted a nuisance on the main road with open display of her wares and also extended it to the walkway.

    Mrs AKINPELU revealed that in-house investigation revealed that it is the stock in trade of the particular woman to cry wolf when there was none, as similar allegations of KAI operatives pestering her for love has led to redeploying of 3
    Different sectional heads until investigations revealed her motive.

    We wish to state in clear terms that the reclacitrant street trader and several others flouted the Lagos Environmental Management Protection Law by erecting a wooden kiosk with intent to display raw foodstuffs for sale on the walkway at Oyingbo, thereby impeding vehicular and human movement in the area.

    As the premier environmental enforcement Agency set up by the Lagos State Government under the Ministry of Environment to rid the State of environmental nuisances and responding to complaints from motorists and pedestrians, we swung into action to enforce the State’s law by dislodging the street traders.

    It is imperative to note that the incident/operation which took place on Monday 17th, April, 2023 was a fall out of the stakeholders meeting held on Saturday 15th April ,2023 which had in attendance stakeholders which included the Vice chairman of Lagos Mainland local Government, Hon Jibril Emilagba, Iyaloja of Oyingbo market and other stakeholders in which a resolution was reached for all make-shift shops selling on the median,drainages and set backs be evacuated on Monday 17th April, 2023.

    The said woman who remains unidentified harassed our corps officers on lawful duty as she filmed to attract sympathy and incite mob action. Our officers who are trained in line with global best practices reported back to the headquarters for further instructions.

    The authorities of Lagos Mainland Local Government and the Iyaloja of OYINGBO are on the same page with KAI on this issue and has promised not to allow any street traders return to the cleared points both in front of the OYINGBO market and along the road to enable free flow of traffic

    Ajayi Lukman
    Head, Public Affairs
    LAGESC

  • LAGOS GREEN AWARD – CALL FOR NOMINATION

    By

    LAGOS GREEN AWARD
    Over the years, various individuals and corporate organizations have continued to contribute to the process of making the environment better. Most of these individuals and corporate organizations are often not noticed or recognized for their contributions to the environment. In view of this, the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources has instituted an environmental award tagged ‘’Lagos Green Award’’. The Lagos Green Award is designed to recognise individuals and corporate organisations who have contributed to making the Lagos Environment better.

    Lagos Green Award will recognize individuals, groups or businesses whose actions improved environmental resilience in the city of Lagos in the areas of:

    • Best Environmental Practices
    • Oil Spill Management
    • Health, Safety & Environmental Performance
    • Waste Prevention & Recycling
    • Solid Waste Treatment & Disposal
    • Emissions Control Technologies
    • Natural Resources Conservation
    • Innovation and Sustainable Solutions

    This level of recognition is competition-based, participating units will be assessed against separate sets of environmental performance criteria which may encompass some of those used in the assessment of the various sectors.

    (a) Construction Industry;
    (b) Property Management;
    (c) Transport and Logistics;
    (d) Retailers;
    (e) Hotels, Restaurants, and Catering Companies;
    (f) Financial Institutions; and
    (g) NGOs and Public sector
    (H) Industry
    (I) Media

    Entries must clearly identify an environmental initiative and how it had or continues to have a positive impact on Lagos’s Environment.
    Entries could be submitted to:

    The Permanent Secretary,
    Office of Environmental Service,
    Ministry of the Environment,
    Block 16, The Secretariat Annex,
    Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos
    Alternatively, you can email – lagosstateministryoftheenviron@gmail.com, alasisi@lagosstate.gov.ng,

    The closing date for entries is May 20, 2023.

  • LAGOS TO EXPERIENCE AN ABOVE NORMAL RAINFALL OF 1936.2mm IN 2023

    By

    Briefs media on Seasonal Rainfall Pattern
    Says the Rainy season Start in 1st April and ceases by the 1st week of December.

    The Lagos State Government on Thursday alerted residents that this year, the state is expected to experience an above-normal annual rainfall amount predicted at 1936.2mm which will start in the first week of April and cease in December.

    According to the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello who spoke at the 2023 Press Briefing on Seasonal Climate Predictions and it’s Socio-Economic implications for Lagos held at Alausa, the 1936.2mm amount of rainfall predicted for 2023 was greater than the long-term average of 1721.48mm experienced in the state in the last 10 years.

    He added that according to the Prediction released by the Nigerian Metrological Services, the State is predicted to experience an average to slightly above average rainfall amount and an elongated season length.

    L-R: Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji, Special Adviser on Drainage and Water Resources, Engr.Joe Igbokwe, Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello and Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Engr Lekan Shodeinde, during the year 2023 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) and it’s Socio-Economic implications for Lagos State, held at the Ministry’s Conference room, Secretariat, Alausa Ikeja,on 30th of March, 2023.

     

    He stated that specifically, Ikeja is expected to have an annual amount of 1900mm while Badagry will experience 1978mm amount of rainfall.

    Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe are expected to have rainfall with annual amounts of 1903mm, 1936mm and 1952mm respectively with onset dates of 1st of April and cessation of 3rd of December 2023.

    “It is also expected that the recent increase in the frequency of extreme weather events will continue in 2023, with days of extremely high rainfall amounts that may result in flooding, largely because strong winds are expected during the onset and cessation of each rainfalls”.

    He listed contributory factors to flooding to include the rise in the Lagoon level as a result of high tidal movement, which may “lock up” the discharge points of drainage channels and until the Lagoon recedes, there will be no discharge, allowing the backflows and all the generated storm water to immediately discharge, and the roads becoming free.

    He explained that it is normal to have occasional flash floods when it rains, which would percolate rapidly just like it’s been experienced around the world, adding that it is only when rain storm water remains on the roads for hours that it can be reported as flooding.

    He said the Ministry not only collaborates with NiMet annually in the Prediction which serves as early warning tool for all those concerned but the Government had plans in place to downscale the National Seasonal Climate Prediction for stakeholders locally.

    He said the State had increased the preparedness for weather and flood-related issues by deploying its network of weather stations and river gauge stations to monitor the weather across the state and to monitor incoming rainfall stormwater from neighboring states such as Ogun, Oyo, and Osun that may result in increased water levels.

    He added that the Ministry continues to embark on all-year-round drainage maintenance for effective flood control as well as sustainable solid waste management system saying, this year would not be different.

    The Commissioner stressed that Government has continued to maintain the synergy and partnership with the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) in order to effectively contain flooding in the state.


    He added that OORBDA ensures the steady and systemic release of water from Oyan Dam to prevent flooding of the downstream reaches of the Ogun River saying the relationship has been highly beneficial and would be sustained.

    He said Government had intensified its enlightenment efforts to sensitize residents in coastal and low-lying areas of the State such as Agiliti, Agboyi, Itowolo, and Ajegunle amongst others to relocate to the upland to avert loss of lives and property when the need arises.

    He advised residents to report cases of drainage blockages and illegal dumping of waste on unauthorized places to the Resident/Drainage Engineers and zero-tolerance offices that are available in all 57 Local Governments Areas and Local Council Development Areas during and after the rainy season.

    He said the Government is determined to collaborate with the authorities of the Local Government and Local Council Development Areas in order to have their own version of the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang for monitoring of tertiary drains to ensure free flow drains into the secondary and primary collectors.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Drainage and Water Resources Engr. Joe Igbokwe noted that Lagos would not relent in its efforts in environmental management even as people move into the state in large numbers.

    He said the government is determined to continually manage flooding across the state even as it is a coastal city adding that Lagosians should refrain from acts that can lead to flash flooding.

    In his remarks the Permanent Secretary, the Ministry Office of Drainage Services said the Ministry will be introducing Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) which will make use of nature, using man-made features such as soak-aways, ponds and gently sloping channels (Swales) to attenuate and treat urban runoff.

    He said the densely built and fully paved ground surface which is rampant in Lagos has distorted the normal hydrological cycle in the state and has given rise to increasing surface runoff ultimately resulting in flood incidences.

    He advised Lagosians to continue to support the efforts of the Government by regularly clearing the drains in their frontage, he urged motorists to refrain from driving through the flood as this can result in submerging of vehicles and loss of lives.

     

    Signed

    Kunle Adeshina
    Director (Public Affairs)
    MOE &WR

    March 30, 2023

     

  • LAGOS SEEKS COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION AS IT LAUNCHES MODEL COMMUNITY RECYCLABLE MANAGEMENT PROJECT IN LG

    By

    In furtherance of the quest for a cleaner and healthier Lagos, the Lagos State Government on Wednesday sought the participation of the local communities as it Launched the model community recyclable management project.

    Speaking during the launching at the headquarters of the Ifako Ijaiye Local Government, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr Omobolaji Gaji said the recycling initiative is one of the fulfillment of the present Administration’s THEMES Agenda serving as Environmental Sanitation Advocacy and Economic Empowerment Program for the people of Lagos.

    He said the continuous increase in population with corresponding increase in generation of waste has necessitated the need for a paradigm shift in solid waste management in the State necessitating the establishment and promotion of effective recycling of all recyclables which has become inevitably the way to go.

    Gaji represented by the Director Sanitation Services, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Hassan Sanuth said that the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources in collaboration with Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government and Community Development Council (CDC) is committed to promoting the Community Recyclables management project in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government adding that the project will ensure the removal of used pet bottles and plastics from Ifako Ijaiye and its environs.

    PIX 3352 L-R .HOD Environmental Health Office, Ifako-Ijaiye LCDA, Dr.Cyril Akiyele, Rep of Ifako Ijaiye LCDA Chairman and HOD Agric and Community Affairs, Mrs Mutiat Oyafunke, Rep of PS, Office of Environmental Services and Director Environmental Services,Dr Hassan Sanuth, Rep of Street Waste Company limited and recipient of Model Tricycle Plastic Waste collector in Ifako-Ijaiye LCDA , Ms Omoh Adekemi and Chairman CDC Ifako Ijaiye, Pastor Samuel Opajobi, during the presentation of tricycle plastic waste collector for Community recycle project in Ifako-Ijaiye LCDA, held on 22nd, March 2023, at Ifako-Ijaiye LCDA Secretariat.

    The Permanent Secretary said the project in Ifako community entails the placement of eight steel mesh receptacles at strategic locations where citizens of the community are encouraged to drop off used PET bottles and containers adding that the launching at Ifako is the second as the pilot scheme located within the Complex of the Ministry in Alausa was launched in the year 2020.

    PIX 3356 L-R .HOD Environmental Health Office, Ifako-Ijaiye LCDA, Dr.Cyril Akiyele, Rep of Ifako Ijaiye LCDA Chairman and HOD Agric and Community Affairs, Mrs Mutiat Oyafunke, Rep of PS Office of Environmental Services and Director Sanitation service, Dr Hassan Sanuth presenting a model tricycle to Ms Omo Adekemi

    He mentioned that the gospel of waste sorting from the source, was gradually gaining ground as individual pickers of recyclable items have increased while recycling firms are continually springing up and final off-takers are getting busier with every one harvesting their income, along the waste management value- chain.

    “it is important to note that the successful implementation of the project will result in a cleaner and healthier environment and the elimination of solid waste from drainages preventing clogging and flooding” He said.

    In his welcome Address, the Chairman Ifako Ijaiye Local Government Hon. Usman Hamzat commended the State Government for finding the Local Government worthy to be the first to benefit from the community recyclables management project.

    He pledged that the Local Government will ensure that advocacy is stepped up to ensuring a clean and healthy environment by introducing sustainable initiatives to meet the recycling and waste management needs of residents in the community.

    Signed

    Kunle Adeshina
    Director (Public Affairs)
    MOE &WR

    March 22nd 2023

  • LAGOS CONVENES STRATEGIC FORUM ON ADAPTATION OF SUSTAINABLE URBAN DRAINAGE SYSTEM (SUDS) FOR EFFECTIVE FLOOD MANAGEMENT.

    By

    As part of the efforts to ensure flood management and sustainable drainage networking, agencies of Government in Lagos State over the weekend met to strategize on the adaptation of the Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) in the State.

    At a stakeholders forum held at the State Secretariat, Ikeja over the weekend, Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Engr. Lekan Shodeinde said it’s necessary for the State to bring up a homogenised drainage master plan comparable to that of roads and transportation.

    PIX 0793:L-R: General Manager Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), Tpl. Ajibike Shomade, Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr Omobolaji Gaji, Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Hon. Rotimi Abiru, Permanent Secretary Office of Drainage Services Engr. Lekan Shodeinde, Representative of Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Bello Risikat and Permanent Secretary Office of Works, Arc. Odusanya Adebayo, during the stakeholders forum on sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS), held on 2nd of February, 2023 at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic Conference room, the Secretariat Alausa, Ikeja.

    He said all master plans in every sector of the State must be developed simultaneously for a model City plan to be achieved, saying that there is a need for drainage infrastructure master plan to combat the problem of flooding in Lagos.

    He said what Lagos normally experiences is flash flooding caused by the torrential rainfalls which in volume is more than what the available drainage system can contain, adding that the flash flood usually subsides within hours.

    He urged Lagosians to create retention and storage amenities in their homes for storage of storm water to assist in containing flooding in the State.

    He said these storage facilities will serve as reservoir for harvesting storm water at the peak of the rainy season for later domestic use or slow discharge into the drains after rainfall.

    Shodeinde, explained that this retention facilities have become essential as Lagos in recent times had been experiencing persistent rainfalls adding that flooding all over the world was rated as the second biggest of all natural disasters.

    He stated that God being the master planner designed it that whenever it rained, 50% of rain water should be absorbed into the ground through deep and shallow percolation, 40% to stay on foliage being trees, grasses and other greens while only 5-10% of storm water is expected to flow into the drains.

    PIX 0794: L-R: Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr Omobolaji Gaji, Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Hon. Rotimi Abiru, Permanent Secretary Office of Drainage Services Engr. Lekan Shodeinde, Representative of Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Bello Risikat and Permanent Secretary Office of Works, Arc. Odusanya Adebayo, during the stakeholders forum on sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS), held on 2nd of February, 2023 at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic Conference room, the Secretariat Alausa, Ikeja.

    Shodeinde said due to modernization, a lot of residents have concretized the floor of their homes thereby throwing out 90% of rain storm water into the drains adding that residents should try to replicate this natural phenomenon as this distortion is the real cause of flooding in the state.

    He said the Ministry in synergy with other stakeholders and professional bodies in the building sector will guarantee there is a change in the construction methodology and approval process adding that this will ensure the creation of rain water storage facilities in each compound.

    Chairman, House Committee on The Environment, Hon. Rotimi Abiru who was also at meeting called for an improved synergy and stakeholders involvement for a proper model City master plan to be achieved.

    He said the state had a master plan which serves as a guide for development adding that for whatsoever reason there should not be a deviation from the master plan.

    In his contribution, Perm Sec, Office of Works, Arch Adebayo Odusanya said the time has come for all agencies in the built and environment sector to go beyond just inviting sister agencies to stakeholders summit to merely rubber stamp decisions, but must involved in the planning and execution stages for optimum results.

    Present at the stakeholders forum were technocrats in the built and environment sector.

    Signed

    Kunle Adeshina
    Director (Public Affairs)
    MOE &WR

    February 5th 2023