….….As the weekly sanitation Advocacy Campaign train moves to Bariga LCDA.
On Sunday, the Lagos State Government underscored the critical need for residents to adopt proper sanitation practices to maintain a clean, flood-free, and sustainable environment across the state. Authorities stressed that collective efforts in waste management and cleanliness are vital to ensuring the safety and well-being of all communities in Lagos. By prioritizing good sanitation, the government aims to foster a healthier and more resilient city for current and future generations.
During the Weekly Community-Based Environmental Sanitation Advocacy campaign at Omobokun Street, Ekimogun Underbridge, Iyana Oworo in the Bariga Local Council Development Area, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, underscored the importance of daily sanitation practices. He urged all residents to adopt and maintain good sanitation habits as part of their daily routine, emphasizing the collective responsibility in keeping their communities clean and healthy.
He explained that the Weekly Community-Based Environmental Sanitation Advocacy campaign was launched to encourage residents to adopt better sanitation habits ahead of the official start of the monthly Sanitation Exercise. This initiative aims to raise awareness and foster a culture of cleanliness within the community, ensuring that proper sanitation practices become a regular part of daily life.
“What we are trying to do is to ramp up sensitization and advocacy before the formal commencement of the monthly environmental Sanitation which will soon be announced by the Governor,” he said.
He revealed that several homes in the area have been under investigation and were discovered to have illegally connected their septic tanks to the drainage system. Additionally, some have constructed fences over the drainage channels. He added that these properties will soon face closure by the relevant authorities.
He urged residents to actively participate in the government’s efforts by regularly cleaning the drainages in front of their homes and refraining from the harmful practice of illegal waste disposal. Emphasizing the importance of community involvement, he stressed that it is crucial for everyone to take responsibility for the infrastructure provided by the government. By doing so, they not only contribute to a cleaner environment but also help in maintaining the facilities that serve their community.
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In response to the flooding in the Ekimogun area, Wahab announced that the government will investigate community concerns that recent sandfilling activities at the Oworo end may be to blame. He emphasized the government’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the flooding issue, ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents.
He emphasized the success of the environmental advocacy campaign, noting that the communities initially visited at the program’s start have been revisited. These communities have not only maintained the clean-up efforts but have also become cleaner and healthier, demonstrating the lasting impact of the initiative.
Wahab urged local residents to adopt Good Environmental Habits, emphasizing that such practices would ease the strain on the healthcare system and enhance the benefits of government-provided infrastructure. By embracing these habits, Wahab believed the community could foster a healthier environment and optimize the impact of public resources.
Honourable Kolade Alabi, Chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area, expressed his dismay over the condition of Ekimogun Road. Despite its recent commissioning by Governor Sanwo-Olu, the road’s quality has deteriorated due to the poor sanitation practices of local residents. Alabi’s remarks highlight a growing frustration as the community’s neglect undermines the benefits of recent infrastructure investments.
“We the residents of Bariga must therefore stop littering our roads and canals with wastes, we must bag our wastes in our respective homes and always patronise the PSP” he said.
He declared that the government is resolutely committed to maintaining a pristine environment. As part of this initiative, every household in Bariga will be provided with a bin, available for a modest fee, to encourage proper waste management and keep the community clean.
The Managing Director of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has announced that Bariga Local Government will host a new recycling facility, part of the Waste to Wealth initiative. This facility is set to tackle illegal waste dumping in the area, transforming waste management and promoting sustainable practices within the community.
In a call to action for a cleaner Lagos, the official urged all residents to team up with the government in the battle against waste. He announced that waste bins will soon be distributed to properties in Bariga, underscoring a new initiative aimed at keeping the city pristine.
Hon. Suliat Oguns, the Senior Special Assistant on Environmental Health for Bariga Local Government, assured unwavering community support for environmental initiatives. She emphasized that residents of Bariga are committed to proper waste disposal and will maximize the benefits of the infrastructure provided by the State Government. This pledge highlights a collective determination to enhance environmental practices and make the most of new developments in the area.
