The Lagos State Government on Wednesday announced the termination of the monthly environmental sanitation following a resolution to review the environmental laws and procedures in the state.
The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde, said in a statement in Lagos that the resolution was reached at the State Executive Council meeting which approved review of the state environmental laws.
Ayorinde said that this informed the decision to cancel the monthly exercise held on the last Saturday of every month for three hours.
He said that the review of the environmental laws and procedures was necessary to meet the present day challenges and to promote a clean and healthy environment.
The commissioner said that with the nation’s present economic situation, it was no longer appropriate to restrict people’s movement for three hours in a mega city like Lagos.
“In the last two decades, Lagos has grown exponentially into a mega city with the attendant huge environmental problems associated with managing a population of over 21 million people,” he said.
The commissioner decried the environmental laws, policies and procedures being practiced in the state, saying that it has not been able to match the phenomenal growth and the dream of a 24-hour economy.
“The state government is not unaware of a recent Court of Appeal judgment.
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.
The thrust of the fresh initiatives, among others, is to promote holistic and modern solutions to the unique environmental challenges confronting the state.
Furthermore, government will also accelerate the introduction of fresh reforms through the passage of new harmonised environmental laws that will drive meaningful changes.
Changes in areas of harmonised billing, waste management, modern landfill sites, noise pollution, introduction of an Environmental Trust Fund and an Environmental Advisory Council.
The government wishes to reiterate its strong commitment to a clean and secure the 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.
Residents 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,” he said.
Ayorinde said that the state government would henceforth be tougher in ensuring enforcement against contraventions of its policies and regulations.
He urged residents to voluntarily comply with the necessary laws and support government in its bid to have a clean and healthy environment.
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