The Lagos State Government has begun sensitizing market leaders and artisans on the need to ensure a clean and healthy environment across all the Senatorial districts in the State.
Towards this end, the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources held a one day sanitation advocacy programme for market leaders, artisans and transport operators in Lagos Senatorial District.
Speaking at the event which was held at the Surulere Local Government Secretariat, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tunji Bello noted that in spite of vigorous campaigns by the current administration to ensure a clean environment, the target audience still dispose waste generated within markets and workshops indiscriminately.
Mr. Bello stressed that the prevalence of packaging waste such as water satchets, biscuits/sweet wrappers pet bottles and styrofoam disposed carelessly in markets, motor parks and workshops which end up in the drain is of serious concern to the State Government as such materials block the free flow of storm water resulting in flooding.
Mr. Tunji Bello who was represented by the Director, Admin and human Resources, Mrs Olubukola Agunloye, also decried the way and manner mechanics, panel beaters and vulcanizers dispose of used materials, which end up contaminating underground water and constituting hazard to public health
The participants were also educated on the dangers of open defecation and urination.
In a remark, the Permanent Secretary Office of Environmental Services, Mrs Aderonke Odeneye, said sensitization and advocacy were key to stopping the hazardous actions, rather than arresting offenders.
Mrs Odeneye emphasised that the State Government is also committed to teaching residents about waste recycling and it’s benefits.
She advised the market leaders, artisans and motor park operators to share the knowledge acquired with members of their associations
The Ministry is set to take the sanitation advocacy to other Senatorial Districts in the State over the next few months.
Modupe Arotolu