Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has firmly announced a zero-tolerance stance on the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainages within the state. He made this declaration while speaking to reporters during the ongoing four-day 2023 Onboarding Retreat Programme for Members of the State Executive Council, the Body of Permanent Secretaries, and Heads of certain Agencies and Parastatals, taking place in Epe.
Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed that the government would not treat the issue of haphazard refuse dumping lightly, as it significantly contributes to flooding problems in the state. He expressed deep concern about homes being submerged during heavy rains and urged residents to prepare for the upcoming rainy season.
Furthermore, the governor emphasized that residents had already been notified of the expected late and heavy rains, and, therefore, they should make the necessary preparations and change their habits concerning the improper disposal of waste in drainages.
”We all knew too well and notices have been given of late rains, heavy rains and it is that time of the year when we cannot control nature, it will rain, so we can’t do anything about rain falling, especially at this time.
”You have seen it in all parts of the world, it rains, it floods, we are not immune to it, we actually are below the sea level, one-third of Lagos is water, and so, that water will come and it will be heavy during the rainy season.
”So that is nature and we need to be able to live with that and understand that we are in a coastal state.
”Beyond that is to talk about our ways of life, which is to talk about drainages. That is a concern for all of us,” he said.
Speaking on the issue of flooding and failed portions of the road in Ikotun and Igando areas of Alimosho Local Government Area and other parts of Lagos state, Sanwo-Olu assured residents of prompt intervention.
He also sought media support for his administration to tackle the issue of flood in the state.
”Part of our takeaway from the retreat is the level of zero tolerance that we are taking out of here. The Commissioners, Special Advisers, and Permanent Secretaries have all been empowered to go out there and do the right thing.
”When we begin to do all these difficult things, we are hoping that you (the media) will be able to give us fair reportage to know that we are not just being insensitive, wicked, we just want to do our job and do it well.
”So, when we see a building or property that is blocking drainage channels and we say we are going to pull it down, we are hoping that you will be on our side and be able to report to say that this has to go.
”That is the only way people can live in a sane, safe and secure society,” the governor said.
