* Governor Ambode * Pix Source : www.premiumtimesng.com
The Lagos State Government today abolished the monthly environmental sanitation exercise that is usually held from 7 am to 10 am on Saturday every month.
The cancellation was made known in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde.
Ayorinde explained that the decision to cancel the monthly exercise followed a resolution arrived at today (Wednesday) Executive Council meeting that approved the need for a robust review of the environmental laws and procedures in the state in order to meet the present day challenges and to promote a clean and healthy environment.
The Lagos State through the statement explained that considering the present economic situation in the country, it was no longer proper to restrict movement of people for three hours in a mega city like Lagos at a time they should be pursuing commercial and entrepreneurial activities.
The government stated that in the last two decades, Lagos had grown exponentially into a mega city with the attendant huge environmental problems associated with managing a population of over 20 million people but that sadly, the environmental laws, policies and procedures practiced in the state have not been able to match the phenomenal growth and the dream of a 24-hour economy, hence the need for the reform.
The Commissioner hinted that the State Government was not unaware of a recent Court of Appeal judgment.
He added that the thrust of the fresh initiatives, among others, is to promote holistic and modern solutions to the unique environmental challenges confronting the state, while encouraging citizens to voluntarily partner with government to achieve the desired goals.
According to the statement, “After a careful consideration, the State Executive Council has therefore resolved that the present economic climate can no longer support the continued lock down of a mega city like Lagos, when the citizens should be free to engage in commercial and entrepreneurial activities that can promote economic growth and prosperity. Furthermore, Government will also accelerate the introduction of fresh reforms through the passage of the new harmonized environmental laws that will drive meaningful changes in areas of harmonized billing, waste management, modern Landfill sites, noise pollution, introduction of an Environmental Trust Fund and an Environmental Advisory Council.”
It continued, “The government wishes to reiterate its strong commitment to a clean and secure environment for the benefit of its citizens, and will continue to provide the necessary leadership to meet the environmental challenges of a mega city like Lagos. Lagosians and visitors alike are therefore urged to embrace these changes and imbibe a culture of voluntarily maintaining and preserving their environment to create a beautiful and healthy city that we all can be proud of.”
The state government stated that it would henceforth be tougher in ensuring expeditious enforcement against contraventions of its policies and regulations and that residents should voluntarily comply with the necessary laws and support government in its bid to have a clean and healthy environment.
