The Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) says it is set to begin the distribution of waste bags and bins to tenants across the state.
This is according to a statement released by the Lagos Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources on Sunday.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made the announcement during the launch of a community-based environmental sanitation awareness programme at the Campos playground on Odunlami Street. The initiative aims to improve the proper disposal of refuse statewide.
Addressing residents, Sanwo-Olu emphasised the importance of environmental cleanliness and condemned the practices of littering drains and removing manholes.
He urged all residents to prioritise cleanliness to prevent disease outbreaks and maintain a sustainable environment.
Sanwo-Olu, accompanied by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, expressed concern over the removal and littering of manholes on various streets. He announced that the awareness campaign would extend across all 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to ensure widespread adoption of good environmental practices.
To combat the issue of manhole removal, the governor proposed forming a task force comprising officials from the Ministries of Works and Infrastructure and Environment. He also committed to leading the executive council in weekly clean-up efforts, including desilting drainages and waste evacuation, potentially reinstating the Monthly Sanitation Exercise.
Coinciding with the annual Tree Planting Day on July 14, Sanwo-Olu encouraged residents to embrace tree planting, highlighting its benefits for temperature regulation and climate change mitigation.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, emphasised the importance of the sanitation awareness campaign to promote a clean and healthy environment and encourage community participation in waste management.
He noted that reintroducing the Monthly Environmental Sanitation exercise would enhance public hygiene and health.
Wahab added that LAWMA officials would be available to collect and properly dispose of bagged waste, ensuring a clean environment for all Lagosians.
