Lagos govt evacuates 12,600 tonnes of waste from streets, drains in 10 days

Efforts by the Lagos State Ministry of Environment in collaboration with Visionscape to clear the state of debris has yielded a positive result as over 12,600 metric tonnes of waste from over 80 locations across the state have been cleared within 10 days.

The clean up of refuse dumps all over the State began last month in an exercise tagged ‘Operation Deep Clean’. Visionscape has been clearing up black spots – illegal waste dump sites.

Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare in a statement affirmed the government’s resolve to rid the state of refuse heaps and solicited the support of all residents for the soon-to-be fully launched Cleaner Lagos Initiative.

“Since the exercise began, over 80 locations across the State have been covered and we are building momentum in spite of the heavy rainfall this season. We are building a new culture of waste management in Lagos State.

We are optimistic that all communities in Lagos State will see overall benefits of this drive to put an integrated waste management system in place “, he said.

Speaking in an interview, Mrs Abiodun Yusuff, a shop owner in Egbeda area of the state, said the good job being done by the government deserved commendation, adding that the government was silently revolutionizing waste management in the state. She said the positive impact of the Cleaner Lagos Initiative is being felt in the state.

“I was getting worried about the seriousness of the State Government to address waste management because at some point and even in some areas now, you still find heaps of refuse on the road. But I commend the government officials for the good job they did in our area.

My only charge to them is that they should not relent but keep on cleaning everywhere and ensure that the state is free of waste,” she said.

following the torrential rain in the state last week, many areas including Akobi Crescent were flooded and overtaken by debris, with people unable to access their streets and homes.

Within hours, officials of the Ministry of Environment including the Commissioner were on site and the new waste management partner of the State Government, Visionscape, moved to the area and cleaned it up.

Over 80 locations have been cleared up spanning from Abijo along Lekki Expressway in Eti Osa Local Government, Oke Afa Bridge around Oke Afa Bus Stop in Ejigbo, Osapa Junction in Lekki, Awori-Oniyaya/Balogun Ilawe in Agege, Alabama Suru Market in Ifelodun area, Durbar Road, Mile 2 (Jakande Estates) Amuwo Odofin, Olaogun Street in Ebute Meta Yaba, Roju Avenue in Kosofe/Ojota, Church Bus Stop at Igando Road, Igando Ikotun, St Finbars College in Akoka, Moshood Abiola Model Market in Agege Lagos, among others.

Peter Fowoyo