Wale Jagun
The Lagos State Government on Tuesday reiterated its zero tolerance at any form of environmental infraction in the state.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, gave the warning at a press briefing, stating that, henceforth, the full force of the law would be brought to bear on defaulters.
He said that a stiff penalty of about N250,000 fine or up to three months imprisonment awaits anyone caught dumping refuse illegally or littering the environment as provided under the Lagos Sanitation Environmental Law provisions, adding that serial offenders will face even stiffer punishments.
Wahab urged residents to maintain a cleaner environment as they celebrate the Ed-eil-Kabir this weekend, adding that Lagosians should make the protection of the environment a priority during and after the salah celebration.
“The Government has arrested and prosecuted over 3,000 environmental offenders. However, we won’t drop the ball; we will continue to ramp up our enforcement and sensitization. I want us to all know that we cannot achieve the results of behavioural change overnight, but it has to be over time,” he said.
He also warned developers and builders of dumping building materials on the drains or the roads during the construction process, saying that all such contravening structures would be sealed up and the owners prosecuted.
He maintained that there is a total ban on open defecation and urination, adding that over 1710 public toilets have been provided by the government and private bodies, with additional toilet facilities available in eateries and gas stations in the state for those who are pressed to make use.
Wahab reminded Lagosians that the ban on all forms of street trading is still in place, and no form of trading will be allowed on the roads, medians, open spaces, and walkways meant for pedestrians, warning that traders should restrict trading to specified markets/stalls spaces.
The Commissioner also urged residents to patronize only approved and assigned PSP operators and asked them to call dedicated lines if any PSP operator failed to remove their waste.
“If a PSP Operator Fails To Collect Your Waste, Report Immediately To Lawma Through The Following Lawma Helpline Channels: 080000Lawma (08000052962), 07080601020.
“Let me reiterate that the ban on cart pushers has not been lifted because they are the ones that dump waste indiscriminately across the state. As such, residents should desist from patronising them and always patronise registered PSP,” he said.
Wahab mentioned that World Environment Day will be celebrated on June 5 with the theme: “Ending Plastic Pollution”, stating that it is a day to appreciate the environment and emphasise its care.
“As a state we are committed to ending the scourge of plastic waste in our state. There is no going back on the July 1 deadline for the commencement of enforcement of ban on single use plastics after an 18 months moratorium to producers, distributors and users.
“We are also stepping up our advocacy for the citizenry to be well aware of the ban, which is a follow to that of styrofoam food packs,” he said.
