.Lagos warns residents against dumping wastes in drainages
Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LASEC) has warned residents against emptying wastes in drainages.
The agency gave the warning at its headquarters in Bolade Oshodi, Lagos, during a meeting on the state of environmental compliance among residents.
This came as the agency, led by Corps Marshal, Olatubosun Olaniyi Cole, and Deputy Corps Marshal, Koyejo Oyenola, carried out enforcement operations at pedestrian bridges across the state.
During the exercise, 56 miscreants were arrested, prosecuted, and sentenced to between three and five months in jail without an option of a fine. Also, 46 persons were sentenced to community service for street trading and highway crossing offences .
Cole said: “The agency has been able to secure the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of 65 street traders from January 25 till date. Also, 248 defaulting pedestrians were arrested for crossing the highways and neglecting the use of these bridges.
“My plan is to keep Lagos sparkling clean, based on the directive of the governor and the Commissioner of Environment, Tokunbo Wahab. We will strengthen enforcement in clearing shanties and ensure people don’t build on or sell on walkways, and ensure actions are taken against any market that is not properly cleaned.”
He noted: “Anyone who is caught crossing the road will be arrested and sentenced or asked to pay a fine, or carry out community service. I believe that with time, people’s orientation will start changing.
Street trading must stop. Whenever the government gives an instruction, nobody is allowed to violate the rules and regulations.”
Asked about open defecation, he said: “We have improved awareness and education on the dangers of open defecation, and I must tell Lagosians that once anyone is caught, the person will be brought to the mobile court, and the matter will be decided.
Vehicles are available to take those found guilty to Kirikiri Maximum or Badagry correctional centres.”
