Environment
LASEPA To Assess Pollution Levels In Lagos
The General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Mr Bola Shabi, says the agency has cancelled plans to generate adequate data to enhance effective environmental planning of the state.
Shabi told newsmen in Lagos that the agency had started the assessment of the Ambient Air Quality Standards (AAQS) of the state using statistical and mathematical models.
AAQS are standards established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under authority of the Clean Air Act (42)that apply for outdoor throughout the country.
He said the models were aimed at determining the state of air quality before the commencement of the vehicular emission test that would guide against air-pollution from vehicles.
According to the LASEPA chief, the assessment and data processes will assist the government in effective planning and implementation of the environment.
“The assessment will indicate how degraded the environment has been, so that the government can proffer mitigating measures to safeguard it.
Shabi said the assessment would involve the agency visiting all the markets where electronics are sold such as the Alaba International Market and the Computer Village to determine its environmental impact on water and soil.
“We are going to take samples from the markets to determine the extent the e-waste had damaged the soil and water in such areas.’’
The LASEPA boss disclosed that to further protect the environment, it had mandated all petroleum stations to have monitoring wells so as to determine any form of leakage in the underground storage facilities.
“We are going to ensure that all the petrol stations in Lagos have monitoring wells to detect any leakage or spillage of oil into the underground water.
“All these are a follow-up to the harmonised environmental law signed by the state governor to upgrade the obsolete sanitation and pollution law,’’ he said.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Thursday, launched an awareness campaign, aimed at educating residents on the increasing impact of climate change.
The campaign also seeks to enlighten residents on the urgent need for personal and community protection measures.
During the launch in Uyo on Thursday, the Akwa Ibom Director of NOA, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, said that the campaign aims at enlightening residents, about the changes in weather patterns.
He said that this includes unpredictable rise in temperatures, and how these changes threaten public health across the state.
Mkpoutom noted that the current weather was not harmattan, but an extreme form of air pollution, which is harmful to health as it could cause oxidative stress which affects body balance.
“Our environment is changing rapidly, and the effects are evident in the disruptions faced by our communities.
“It is paramount that every citizen of Akwa Ibom understands these changes and take necessary steps to protect themselves, their families, and their livelihoods,” he said.
He appealed to citizens to take the following precautions which include wearing of nose mask, drinking sufficient water, covering of food and water to keep away dust, washing fruits thoroughly before eating, among others.
He directed all NOA structures within the state to engage with local communities through town hall meetings and collaboration.
He also urged engagement with schools and community leaders, to disseminate vital information on early warning signs, as well as safety protocols during extreme weather conditions.
The Chairman of Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Ms Surah Animashaun, has urged traders of Aiyetoro and Oluwo fish markets to consistently ensure a hygienic trading environment.
She urged the traders to maintain cleanliness and observe proper environmental sanitation in the markets.
Animashaun said this during a visit to some of the market areas in Epe on Saturday.
She said that clean markets were critical to public health.According to her, poor sanitation could lead to the outbreak of communicable diseases, especially in fish markets, where waste management must be handled with extra care.
The council chairman urged traders to dispose of refuse appropriately, avoid indiscriminate dumping of waste, and ensure regular cleaning of stalls and surroundings
She noted that environmental hygiene is a collective responsibility, adding that everyone should be involved in this development.
Animashaun also warned that the local government would not hesitate to enforce existing environmental laws, including sanctions against defaulters.
She assured traders of the council’s commitment to providing adequate waste disposal facilities and regular monitoring to sustain a clean and healthy market environment.
The council boss also urged traders to desist from selling by the roadside, so as to avoid accidents, noting that several motor accidents had occurred along the Aiyetoro market area.
“We, therefore, urge traders to stop selling on the roadside,” she said.
President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mrs Margaret Oguntala, has inaugurated the construction of 18 units residential terrace in highbrow Alausa area of Lagos toward bridging the nation’s shelter gap.
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