By Cleopatra Eki
Concerned about sustenance of safe learning environment, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) has engaged in a strategic session with the management of the Lagos State Planning and Environmental Monitoring Agency (LASPEMA) in order to sanitize setbacks and incidental open spaces in Public Primary Schools during a courtesy visit to the Board.
Speaking at meeting in Lagos,Hon. Wahab Alawiye-King, Executive Chairman, LASUBEB commended the agency’s efforts in maintaining compliance in accordance with the state’s environmental plan and its seamless drive in the actualization of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S agenda .
He noted that the infractions on setbacks and incidental open spaces is becoming alarming adding that the Board frowns at such encroachment and would soon commence enforcement exercise to dislodge illegal informal operators occupying the setbacks. saying, that such activities will hinder teaching and learning in the academic environment.
Alawiye-King emphasized on the misuse of setbacks in schools and indiscriminate construction of shanties on open spaces which would no longer be tolerated.
In a similar vein, General Manager LASPEMA, Town Planner ,Daisi Oso stated that all foms of criminal activities take place on setbacks and incidental open spaces, which are threats to the wellbeing of the pupils and teachers in the learning environment.Oso reiterated that LASPEMA is the agency saddled with the statutory responsibility to plan, supervise and designate setbacks for use in the State.
He noted that LASPEMA is ready to collaborate with the Board in strategizing a model for landscaping around the school walls, creative paintings on the walls to improve the aesthetics as well as create a secured environment by ensuring closed circuit television is installed around the setbacks for surveillance purposes.
Concluding the strategic meeting, a five-man Committee was constituted comprising members from LASPEMA and LASUBEB charged with the responsibility of developing a model to facilitate the synergized visions with other MDAs of the State Government who have similar mandates.
