• CONDUCIVE ENVIRONMENT, A KEY FOR EFFECTIVE LEARNING- SANWO-OLU

    By

    …commissions 1,097 projects in 970 Schools

    The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday commissioned a new block of classroom at Bariga, affirming that a conducive environment is very essential for effective learning

    Sanwo -Olu spoke during the commissioning of a block of classrooms at Oduduwa College, Lanre Awolokun street, Gbagada in Bariga LCDA, through the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tunji Bello whom the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage and Water Resources, Engr. Lekan Shodeinde stood in for.

    He explained that the vital role of education in the development has made it imperative to ensure that children have access to quality education in an enabling environment for excellent learning.

    Sanwo-Olu said 1,097 infrastructural projects covering 970 Schools across the State, were embarked upon to improve the learning and teaching environment in our public schools.

    He said Education is still the most potent tool of empowerment and one of the most tested ways to close the gap between poverty and wealth saying, that it provide individuals with the necessary knowledge and skill set to actualize their potential and maximize opportunities in life.

    The Governor explained that the projects being commissioned across the state will further drive the “Education and Technology” pillar of the THEMES Agenda adding that to actualize the Greater Lagos vision, quality education must remain one of the solid building blocks.

    He said that in the last 2 years, Government had aggressively embarked on the provision of blocks of classrooms, administrative offices, school furniture, laboratories, modern toilet facilities, and security across the six Education Districts and Local Government Councils.

    “ Government has ensured the prompt construction and rehabilitation of 322 dilapidated public schools, while 87,000 dual composite units of furniture were supplied to Primary and Secondary Schools across the State” he said.

    Mr Governor remarked that the investments in the education sector have been yielding positive results saying that students’ performance have improved in examinations, national and international competitions as well as improved morals, etiquette, and confidence in public speaking.

    “Lagos State Public Schools have consistently emerged the overall best at the international Robotics Competition since 2015 and have continued to excellently represent Nigeria at this annual competition;”

    The Lagos State team was one of the best at the 2021 National Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientist (JETS) Competition, held at the National Mathematical Centre, Kwali ealier this year where the State team won 11 medals and 10 Cups in various categories” he said.

    He acknowledged the contributions hardworking teachers to the success the schools and students saying that the infrastructure being put in place would amount to nothing if they were not complemented by competent, dedicated and passionate teachers.

    He charged community leaders, school administrators, staff and students of these schools to take ownership of the project saying all hands must be on deck to ensure that miscreants do not destroy or cart away the properties of our schools adding that the security of schools and other infrastructures is a collective responsibility.

    He commended the Lagos State Ministry of Education, the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, the Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools (SCRPS) and the Lagos State Infrastructure Management and Maintenance Agency (LASIAMA) for collaborating effectively to actualize various vision in the education sector.

     

    Signed

    Kunle Adeshina

    Director (Public Affairs)

    MOE &WR

    May 19, 2021

  • WE HAVE STABILISED, RESTORED CONFIDENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT SECTOR- TUNJI BELLO

    By

    ….. Over 30,000 residents given direct employment

    The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello on Thursday affirmed that the present administration has stabilised and restored confidence to the Environment sector.

    Bello spoke at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, during 2nd Year of Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu administration’s Ministerial Press Briefing by the Environment and Water Resources Ministry.

    He added that at the last count, over 30,000 direct new jobs have been created in the environment sector through LAWMA with several thousands of indirect as well.

    The period under review has also seen the acquisition of 210 new Compactors by the PSP operators who have also employed over 8,200 people with the number of the PSPs growing from 350 to 437 ”

    He stressed that in line with the THEMES Agenda, waste generation and disposal processes have been reinvigorated through circular waste recycling.

    He explained that the process will reduce the amount of waste generated and transported to the landfills sites which are getting filled up already.

    He said that the Ministry has constructed a Recycling Bank within the Ministry of Environment complex and has also been promoting the establishment of Recycling Banks in the Government Built Estates across the State.

    Bello said as part of climate change mitigation efforts of the present administration, many new parks and gardens have been created while landscaping and beautification of new sites have continued.

    He added that LASPARK is also partnering the private sector with its adopt a Park Policy through which the OPS are encouraged to adopt and brand sites, parks and gardens.

    He said further that the Agency also commissioned a mini effluent treatment plant used to treat waste water and has recorded a remarkable achievement in the fight against noise pollution from social clubs and religious organizations.

    He emphasised that Lagos has moved from the notoriety of a flood ravaged coastal city to one with cleaned, dredged and free flowing drainage channels all year round.

    He said contracts were awarded for construction of new drainage channels in 47 strategic locations in the state, with work at 12 locations 100% completed, 17 at above 80% and 18 at above 50% completion.

    Under the maintenance and dredging of Primary Channels Programme, a total of 42 Primary Channels cleaning and dredging contracts were awarded across the state, according to Bello.

    He said another 192 Secondary Collectors drains spread across the 20 Local Government Areas of the State have been cleaned up.

    Bello informed that to promote safe and healthy living of the citizenry and with massive support from the World Bank, 6 Air Quality Control Monitoring Stations were commissioned in six locations across the state.

    “The EFAG Gang has carried out routine maintenance, cleaning and emergency deflooding interventions on approximately 307 km length of both Tertiary and Secondary Drains all over the State in the last one year” he disclosed.

    Bello reports that 1663 contravening structures were identified in some Local Government monitored for contravention of drainage alignments and setbacks while removal has commenced with about 84% completion.

    “The State Signage and Advertisement Agency launched the 2021 Mobile Advert Stickers to enhance a more effective regulatory process for mobile advertisements”, Bello said.

    He said as part of Covid-19 containment measures, the ministry intensified the disinfecting of schools, public institutions and highways regularly.

    He said that the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) arrested 2,858 people comprising illegal Traders, Hawkers, Highway crossing defaulters, environmental polluters and cart pushers out of which 294 persons were prosecuted according to the State Environmental Laws.

    To improve on the supply of portable healthy water to the citizens, Bello imformed that the State through the Lagos Water Corporation has recorded 85% completion at the ongoing construction of 70MGD (Million Gallons per Day) Adiyan II Water plant.

    He said negotiation has been completed with Ogun State Government on the ceding of Right of Way for Reticulation/laying of pipes for the Adiyan Phase II project, adding that laying of pipes have commenced.

     

    Signed

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

  • LASG TO PRIORITISE MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION INITIATIVES ON CLIMATE CHANGE FOR ALL PROJECTS

    By

    …….. Holds 2 days virtual Pre- Climate Change workshop.

    The Lagos State Government on Tuesday affirmed that it will continue to prioritise mitigation and adaptation initiatives on climate change for all projects.

    Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tunji Bello who stated this during a pre- Climate Change virtual workshop dotunoladipo@gmail.com the state has been greatly impacted by climate change with varying climatic hazards.

    He said these have been possible because of the state’s unique characteristics in terms of geographic location and features.

    He recalled that the State Government had institutionalized Climate Change Summit as the principal vehicle for disseminating Climate Change information but due to some policy shift in the past, the programme stagnated.

    He said that the resuscitation of the summit has now been made possible under the visionary leadership of Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu who envisions its importance in sustaining the leadership position of the State in climate action.

    He disclosed that Lagos is on course to delivering her Climate Action Plan in a few months as the document is currently being reviewed by C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group and their technical partners.

    “Globally, cities have made pledges to ensure that global temperatures do not increase beyond 2º Celsius and, in a bid, to fulfil these pledges, it is now imperative for cities to develop Climate Action Plans which will help chart the city’s course towards decarbonization” he said.

    He revealed that the theme for the virtual summit ‘Harnessing the Power of Lagos State for Climate Change and Sustainable Financing’ gives room to begin to think about how the crucial elements required to implement climate actions can be fostered across various sectors and how to attain sustainable financing as a State in funding some the initiatives that are in the pipeline.

     

    He stated that Government cannot deny the fact that the population, topography and geography of the state makes it very vulnerable to the adverse effect of climate change saying that with the right mitigation and adaptation actions, the State would become resilient to these climatic hazards and impacts.

    Bello said that protecting the environment should be a collective responsibility of all sectors of the economy as the State journey to become a low carbon economy and harness the opportunities provided by climate change.

    He however noted that safeguarding the environment is a collective responsibility of both the citizens and the government.

    Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi speaking on the effect of Covid-19 and climate change said there has been an increase in human population all over the world which has affected the Environment and the movement of pathogens from their natural hoststo human.

    He said deforestation and continuous damaging of the nature through pollution of the air and toxicity of freshwater has forced the animals to move closer to human habitation thereby making human more vulnerable to the various pathogens.

    He urged everyone to desist from actions that could damage the Environment and loss of biodiversity as human can only be as healthy as the Environment they live in.

    Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Mrs. Belinda Odeneye said the 2-day Pre-summit virtual workshop is to bring again to the front burner the matters of Climate change as an integral component of economic growth and environmental recovery plan.

    She said the importance of laying bare climate change issues for our active participation cannot be over emphasized as the State over year has played host to important personalities and stakeholders locally and internationally through the institutionalized annual Climate Change Summit which was a principal tool for disseminating and managing Climate Change information in the State and the country at large.

    She noted that the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda of the present administration has intrinsically tied in the SDGs / LSDP and resilience strategy in addressing the global problem with local solution adding that the geographical location and topography of our dear State leaves us with no option than to act urgently.

     

    Signed

    Kunle Adeshina
    Director (Public Affairs)
    MOE &WR
    April 27, 2021

  • LASG RESOURCITATES SANITATION COMPETITION AMONGST LG/LCDA

    By

    ….Sets Up Assessment Committee, to commence work in May

    Lagos State Government on Sunday announced the resourcitation of the Environmental Sanitation competition amongst all Local Governments and Council Areas in the State.

    In a statement, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello, said the competition is being brought back to reawaken the consciousness of every resident with Local Governments serving as the pivot of the campaign.

    He explained that since the programme suffered a setback in 2017 through a court stoppage of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, everyone has let down their guard thus aggravating various environmental issues.

    He stated that part of the benefit derivable is bringing about healthy competition on sanitation and hygiene practices amongst communities, markets and LG/LCDA.

    Others are improvement in the environmental conditions of the state especially on Highways, roads and streets, markets, schools and illegal Street trading.

    Bello said the competition will take input of actors in the communities including local government chairmen, community leaders, traditional rulers, transport unions and market leaders.

    He informed that an assessment committee which will start work in May has been constituted with membership drawn from the Environment Ministry and Local Government and Community Affairs and other relevant MDAs to inspect all public utilities.

    The assessment committee will also inspect the general aesthetics of the scheduled LG/LCDA and the commitment of each to environmental management.

    The Commissioner listed some of the criteria for the assessment of each LG/LCDA to include culture of bagging of refuse, clean and flowing drains, LAWMA PSP patronage and vegetal control.

    Others are markets cleaniness, landscaping and beautification of LG/LCDA secretariat, control of illegal structures, shanties, black spots, illegal refuse dumps, encroachment on drainage setbacks, Street trading, abandoned buildings, land and properties.

    The assessment is expected to be rounded off in November with an award ceremony during which mouth watering prizes will be presented to the winner and first runners-up LG/LCDA.

    Consolation prices will also be given to the cleanest market, school, environmental sanitation friendly motor park/ garage amongst others.

    Signed
    Kunle Adeshina
    Director(Public Affairs)
    MOE&WR
    April 18, 2021

  • LAGOS TO EXPERIENCE NORMAL RAINFALL OF 238-261 DAYS IN 2021 Continuos dredging and cleaning of all canals ongoing.. As HC Env. briefs on Seasonal Rainfall Pattern for 2021

    By

    The Lagos State Government on Wednesday informed residents that the state will experience normal rainfall of between 238-261 days this year, assuring that adequate measures are already in place for contain any eventuality.

    Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources Mr Tunji Bello who stated this during a press briefing on the Year 2021 Seasonal Climate Predictions (SCP) at Alausa stated that the Maximum Annual Rainfall for this 2021 is predicted to be 1,747mm.

    He maintained that the State government is set to ensure a flood-free and hygienic environment during the season.

    He noted that the State is collaborating with the the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) not only in the areas of Annual Seasonal climate Prediction but also in downscaling the predictions to all stakeholders.

    He added that the State has concluded preparation to have its own network of weather stations to closely monitor the climate as well as increase the preparedness for weather related issues.

    Bello said the Seasonal Climate Prediction for Lagos State indicated onset dates that ranged between March 17th in earliest and April 6th, while the season ending is predicted to be between 30th November and 5th December 2021

    According to the Commissioner, Ikeja is expected to experience about 261 days of rainfall with a total amount of 1392mm and the rainfall onset date of 17th March as it already witnessed while the cessation date is expected to be 3rd of December 2021.

    “Lagos Island is had a rainfall onset date of 6th April, while its cessation date is expected to be 30th of November. It is also expected that Lagos Island would have about 238 days of rainfall and about 1627mm of rainfall this year”.

    “It is also expected that the increasing frequency of extreme weather events indicate that year 2021 would likely experience days with extremely high rainfall amounts which may result in flooding” he declared.

    Bello restated that the Emergency Flood Abatement Gangs (EFAG) of the Ministry have been consistently de-silting and working on various linkages to the secondary and primary channels to enable them discharge efficiently and act as retention basins.

    He said in order to forestall the incidences of collapse of telecommunication masts, occasioned by high velocity of the wind, expected during the onset and cessation of every rainfall, Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has been put on alert to ensure advertising and communication agencies comply with regulations on safety of billboards and telecommunication masts.

    He added that all emergency agencies, traffic management agencies and other emergency related outfits have also been put on the alert to assist in reducing the negative impact of thunder storm associated with rainfall across the State.

    He disclosed further that Government is determined to maintain the long-established synergy and partnership with Ogun-Oshun River Basin Authority which has ensured control and monitoring of the steady and systemic release of water from Oyan Dam to prevent flooding of the downstream reaches.

    He emphasized that the government would ramp up their enlightenment and advocacy efforts to sensitize and advise communities in coastal and low-lying wetland areas of the State, to move upland when the need arises so as to avert needless loss of lives and property.

    He enjoined journalists to partner government in sensitizing Lagosians who reside along flood plains of major rivers and drainage channels such as Owode, Iwaya, Makoko, Badia, Ijora, Isaalu, Pota, Shibiri etc, to always be on the alert and be ready to move to higher grounds when the need arises adding that they would be duly notified at the appropriate time.

    He reiterated that the government would continue to serve abatement notices on owners of illegal structures, violators of building regulations on drainage alignments, tenements and institutions discharging solid waste in water bodies.

    The Commissioner however called on market men and women to ensure that they follow the rules as regards waste disposal and cleanliness in their market space as any market found flouting this laws will be shut.

    Disclosing that it is natural to have flashfloods, which will percolate or drain off quickly, as is also the case in different parts of the world, the Commissioner added that It is only when flood remains on the roads for several hours and days that flooding can be reported.

    The Special Adviser on Drainage Services and Water Resources, Engr. Joe Igbokwe who was also part of the briefing informed of government plans to dredge about 221 collector drains, 32 primary channels measuring about 72km spread across the 20 Local Government Areas of the State to checkmate flooding.

    He added that the Emergency Flood Abatement Gangs (EFAG) would also be de-silting various tertiary channels and manholes measuring about 100km across the State.

    He assured that the present administration is determined to find a lasting solution to flooding by building of concrete drainage covers while dredging of canals which has commenced in March will round up in October.

    He called on residents to support Government to achieve a flood free Lagos and desist from dumping refuse on drainage channels or encroaching on Right of Ways of canals, adding that it is regrettable that several of the canals that have been recently cleaned up are again been littered by residents.

    He said for areas that are complaining that they are yet to feel the presence of the government in terms of drainage construction and clearing, the wheels of development will eventually get to them.

    Signed

    Kunle Adeshina
    Director (Public Affairs)
    MOE &WR
    April 14, 2021

  • RESPITE FOR LAGOS INDUSTRIES AS EFFLUENT TREATMENT PLANT COMES ON STREAM

    By

    … Env. Comm. Tunji Bello also commissions Air Monitoring station, Digital E-library and hybrid van at LASEPA.

     

    The Lagos State Government over the weekend gave respite to industries without capacity to test their effluents and industrial, hazardous wastewater as it commissioned a mini effluent treatment plant that would determine their toxicity before being released into the atmosphere.

    Speaking at the handover at Alausa which also featured the unveiling of an Air Monitoring Station located at six different locations, a Digital E-Library and a hybrid vehicle, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello said the new additions will empower the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) to be better positioned to perform its regulatory roles.

    He added that in times past when industrial concerns sought the help of LASEPA to assist in analyzing effluents, the agency could not respond as quickly as it should, adding that some industries even went beyond board of releasing such effluent into the atmosphere without seeking the advice of the agency.

    In his words: “This Mini Effluent plant came about because of the need to treat wastewater and leftover samples of industrial wastewater from LASEPA’s laboratory. It is regrettable that LASEPA, which has the responsibility for protecting the environment lacked an acceptable means of treating wastewater until now”

    Tunji Bello said vigilant members of the public were also not unmindful that with such scenario, LASEPA would have compromised her status as the environmental policeman that runs afoul of the same law it seeks to enforce.

    Bello emphasized that now, things can only get better for residents of the state in this wise, because there is also room for expansion of the capacity of the mini effluent plant in case request for usage increases geometrically such that the State will maintain its leading role in environmental management in Nigeria as the Centre of Excellence.

    He reminded all that the Lagos State Environmental Protection Law 2017 under the relevant sections empower LASEPA to survey and monitor surface, underground and portable air, land and soil environments in the state to determine pollution levels in them and collect baseline data”.

    He commended the World Bank for partnering with the State Government through LASEPA for the provision quality air monitoring stations that are located at six different locations in the state.

    He reiterated that the air quality measurement stations located at LASEPA headquarters, Alausa, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Lekki, Abesan Estate, Ipaja, University of Lagos, Akoka, Jankara, Lagos Island and in Ikorodu will measure the air quality across its locations and aid better policy formulation on the environment in the State.

    He reiterated that the Air quality measuring station will ensure a comprehensive knowledge of the Air Quality of the Lagos environment, while helping to identify pollution and their sources.

    He said the digital E-library which was also commissioned would fast track the achievement of the goals and objectives of monitoring, controlling and regulating the environment to make it safe and healthy.

    Tunji Bello commended the general manager of LASEPA, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe and her management team for driving the process that has seen renewed vibrancy in the agency in terms of the delivery of its core mandate.

    “I feel proud of what LASEPA has become today due to the innovativeness and shrewd management of resources of the leadership and it is worthy of commendation now that the Agency is responding adequately to its job as the policeman of the atmosphere and the environment”, he said.

    Earlier in her welcome address, the General Manager, LASEPA, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, said the maintenance of the environment is a collective responsibility especially on noise pollution and global warming, while urging residents to always ensure its sustainability.

    She said the commissioning of the completed projects is towards promoting environmental sustainability as the state is moving from a linear economy to a circular economy whereby before manufacturing, recycling has to be put into consideration.

    She commended the United Nations for its technical support always and the World Bank for material provisions to the agency at the event which also had in attendance the Special Adviser on Drainage Services and Water Resources, Engr. Joe Igbokwe, Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Service, Mrs Belinda Odeneye and her Office of Drainage Services counterpart, Engr. Olalekan Shodeinde and representatives of the United Nations, UNIDO, Zenith Bank, partners agencies and associations.

    Signed

    Kunle Adeshina

    Director (Public Affairs)
    MOE & WR

  • LASG RESOURCITATES SANITATION COMPETITION AMONGST LG/LCDA

    By

    ….Sets Up Assessment Committee, to commence work in May

    Lagos State Government on Sunday announced the resourcitation of the Environmental Sanitation competition amongst all Local Governments and Council Areas in the State.

    In a statement, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello, said the competition is being brought back to reawaken the consciousness of every resident with Local Governments serving as the pivot of the campaign.

    He explained that since the programme suffered a setback in 2017 through a court stoppage of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, everyone has let down their guard thus aggravating various environmental issues.

    He stated that part of the benefit derivable is bringing about healthy competition on sanitation and hygiene practices amongst communities, markets and LG/LCDA.

    Others are improvement in the environmental conditions of the state especially on Highways, roads and streets, markets, schools and illegal Street trading.

    Bello said the competition will take input of actors in the communities including local government chairmen, community leaders, traditional rulers, transport unions and market leaders.

    He informed that an assessment committee which will start work in May has been constituted with membership drawn from the Environment Ministry and Local Government and Community Affairs and other relevant MDAs to inspect all public utilities.

    The assessment committee will also inspect the general aesthetics of the scheduled LG/LCDA and the commitment of each to environmental management.

    The Commissioner listed some of the criteria for the assessment of each LG/LCDA to include culture of bagging of refuse, clean and flowing drains, LAWMA PSP patronage and vegetal control.

    Others are markets cleaniness, landscaping and beautification of LG/LCDA secretariat, control of illegal structures, shanties, black spots, illegal refuse dumps, encroachment on drainage setbacks, Street trading, abandoned buildings, land and properties.

    The assessment is expected to be rounded off in November with an award ceremony during which mouth watering prizes will be presented to the winner and first runners-up LG/LCDA.

    Consolation prices will also be given to the cleanest market, school, environmental sanitation friendly motor park/ garage amongst others.

    Signed
    Kunle Adeshina
    Director(Public Affairs)
    MOE&WR
    April 18, 2021

  • LAGOS TO EXPERIENCE NORMAL RAINFALL OF 238-261 DAYS IN 2021

    By

    Continuos dredging and cleaning of all canals ongoing… As HC Env. briefs on Seasonal Rainfall Pattern for 2021

    The Lagos State Government on Wednesday informed residents that the state will experience normal rainfall of between 238-261 days this year, assuring that adequate measures are already in place for contain any eventuality.

    Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources Mr Tunji Bello who stated this during a press briefing on the Year 2021 Seasonal Climate Predictions (SCP) at Alausa stated that the Maximum Annual Rainfall for this 2021 is predicted to be 1,747mm.

    He maintained that the State government is set to ensure a flood-free and hygienic environment during the season.

    He noted that the State is collaborating with the the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) not only in the areas of Annual Seasonal climate Prediction but also in downscaling the predictions to all stakeholders.

    He added that the State has concluded preparation to have its own network of weather stations to closely monitor the climate as well as increase the preparedness for weather related issues.

    Bello said the Seasonal Climate Prediction for Lagos State indicated onset dates that ranged between March 17th in earliest and April 6th, while the season ending is predicted to be between 30th November and 5th December 2021

    According to the Commissioner, Ikeja is expected to experience about 261 days of rainfall with a total amount of 1392mm and the rainfall onset date of 17th March as it already witnessed while the cessation date is expected to be 3rd of December 2021.

    “Lagos Island is had a rainfall onset date of 6th April, while its cessation date is expected to be 30th of November. It is also expected that Lagos Island would have about 238 days of rainfall and about 1627mm of rainfall this year”.

    “It is also expected that the increasing frequency of extreme weather events indicate that year 2021 would likely experience days with extremely high rainfall amounts which may result in flooding” he declared.

    Bello restated that the Emergency Flood Abatement Gangs (EFAG) of the Ministry have been consistently de-silting and working on various linkages to the secondary and primary channels to enable them discharge efficiently and act as retention basins.

    He said in order to forestall the incidences of collapse of telecommunication masts, occasioned by high velocity of the wind, expected during the onset and cessation of every rainfall, Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has been put on alert to ensure advertising and communication agencies comply with regulations on safety of billboards and telecommunication masts.

    He added that all emergency agencies, traffic management agencies and other emergency related outfits have also been put on the alert to assist in reducing the negative impact of thunder storm associated with rainfall across the State.

    He disclosed further that Government is determined to maintain the long-established synergy and partnership with Ogun-Oshun River Basin Authority which has ensured control and monitoring of the steady and systemic release of water from Oyan Dam to prevent flooding of the downstream reaches.

    He emphasized that the government would ramp up their enlightenment and advocacy efforts to sensitize and advise communities in coastal and low-lying wetland areas of the State, to move upland when the need arises so as to avert needless loss of lives and property.

    He enjoined journalists to partner government in sensitizing Lagosians who reside along flood plains of major rivers and drainage channels such as Owode, Iwaya, Makoko, Badia, Ijora, Isaalu, Pota, Shibiri etc, to always be on the alert and be ready to move to higher grounds when the need arises adding that they would be duly notified at the appropriate time.

    He reiterated that the government would continue to serve abatement notices on owners of illegal structures, violators of building regulations on drainage alignments, tenements and institutions discharging solid waste in water bodies.

    The Commissioner however called on market men and women to ensure that they follow the rules as regards waste disposal and cleanliness in their market space as any market found flouting this laws will be shut.

    Disclosing that it is natural to have flashfloods, which will percolate or drain off quickly, as is also the case in different parts of the world, the Commissioner added that It is only when flood remains on the roads for several hours and days that flooding can be reported.

    The Special Adviser on Drainage Services and Water Resources, Engr. Joe Igbokwe who was also part of the briefing informed of government plans to dredge about 221 collector drains, 32 primary channels measuring about 72km spread across the 20 Local Government Areas of the State to checkmate flooding.

    He added that the Emergency Flood Abatement Gangs (EFAG) would also be de-silting various tertiary channels and manholes measuring about 100km across the State.

    He assured that the present administration is determined to find a lasting solution to flooding by building of concrete drainage covers while dredging of canals which has commenced in March will round up in October.

    He called on residents to support Government to achieve a flood free Lagos and desist from dumping refuse on drainage channels or encroaching on Right of Ways of canals, adding that it is regrettable that several of the canals that have been recently cleaned up are again been littered by residents.

    He said for areas that are complaining that they are yet to feel the presence of the government in terms of drainage construction and clearing, the wheels of development will eventually get to them.

    Signed

    Kunle Adeshina
    Director (Public Affairs)
    MOE &WR
    April 14, 2021

  • COURT REMANDS FOUR ACCUSED PERSON IN PRISON FOR IMPERSONATING ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICIALS

    By

    Magistrate Lateef Layeni sitting at the Special Offences (Mobile) Court over the weekend at Bolade, Oshodi remanded four men in prison custody for impersonating environmental officials and extorting unsuspecting members of the public.

    The four men, Afolayan Nurudeen (41), Fowowe Oluseyi (40), Kayode Olaleye (47) and Muibi Babatunde (50) who were arraigned on a four count charge, pleaded not guilty when their plea was taken.

    They were arraigned for (a) impersonating public officers by representing themselves as staffs of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources to the public and (b) fraudulently using false documents with the intention that the documents shall be used and acted upon as genuine.

    They were also charged with (c) conspiring to commit felony and (d) conducting themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace.

    The presiding Magistrate thereafter fixed Tuesday, March 30 for the commencement of the trial of the accused persons and ruled that they be remanded at the Badagry Prison.

    The four men were arrested on Wednesday, 17 March at about 3.45pm at Golden face Hotels, Orile Iganmu by Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Officials with assistance from ministry of the Environment and Water Resources officials following a surveillance on the men.

    Items found on the men include fake inspection letters, identification cards, Abatement notices of the ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSMWO), copy of court summons and stickers for certification of decontamination, all bearing the logo of Lagos State Government.

    The Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources had been inundated with complaints and reports from members of the public about the activities of some men who usually extort money on the pretext of enforcing sanitation laws in different parts of the state.

    This prompted the ministry officials to liaise with officials of Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps to be on the surveillance for the men who had been operating in the Orile Iganmu area for quite a while before they were apprehended.

    SIGNED
    Kunle Adeshina
    Director, Public Affairs
    MOE&WR
    March 21, 2021

  • Pre-Summit Survey for Lagos State Climate Change Virtual Summit 2020.

    By

    Lagos State Government through Ministry of the Environment & Water Resources has constantly engaged professionals on the need to ensure the impacts of climate change does not adversely affect economic, social, health and financial sectors of the economy through the annual climate change summit.
    However, in view of the current global pandemic and inability to hold physical conferences, the Ministry intends to hold a virtual climate change summit themed “Harnessing the Power of Lagos State for Climate Change and Sustainable Financing” in October 2020. To this end, this survey is to garner support, publicise and obtain suggestions and feedback to ensure a successful Summit. click the link below for necessary feedback.

    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1E0ugSqRI9tG8nCxFuj_idIdq19aghPep-Efcph-Rv1Q/edit

    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1E0ugSqRI9tG8nCxFuj_idIdq19aghPep-Efcph-Rv1Q/edit