Environment
Group Blames LASG For Massive Flooding
The recourse by the Lagos State Government to environmentally, unfriendly projects along the entire Lagos coastline, especially the Lekki-Ajah axis has been blamed for the massive flooding of parts of Lagos.
This was contained in a press release made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt by a non-governmental organization, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FOEN).
The release signed by the head of media and campaigns of the organisation Philip Jakpor also described as diversionary, the exercise by the government that the incident was caused by indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainages by the residents.
The release quoted ERA/FOEN Deputy Director, Akinbole Oluwafemi as saying that, environmental sustainability goes beyond showmanship and sweet pronouncements.
“We have said it time and again that environmental sustainability goes beyond showmanship and sweet pronouncements.
“The rains have exposed how dangerous experiments like the Eko Atlantic City project and unmitigated sand dredging along the Lekki and Ajah corridor for the ultimate pleasure of the wealthy can make life miserable for the generality”.
It explained that, what was at stake with dredging and land grab activities that has thus far displaced a host of communities including Otodo Gbome and Mukoka was a classic case of development process versus human rights.
The release further alleged that, the reckless reclanation exercise in Lagos was now threatening to throw the entire South West coastline extending to the Niger delta into chaos.
According to the release, “The explanation of state government conveyed by the environment commissioner, was very watery as it deliberately avoided the subject matter but instead blamed the flooding on insignificant pieces of rubbish floating around narrow drains”.
He said that the situation was an indictment on the government as it is body that granted permits for sand dredging and other projects that put pressure on the Atlantic coastline and residents of the city.
The group used the occasion to call for a halt on the massive excavations and soil reclamation that has displaced many people in the area.
“We are using this said occasion to reiterate our demands that the Lagos state government put a brake on massive excavations and soil reclamation exercise that have displaced locals while creating an earthy paradise for the wealthy.
“We also ask this government to make available the environmental impact assessment (EIA) study on the controversy streaked Eko Atlantic City Project and others that defy logic at a time that climate change is inducing sea level rise globally”.
The Lagos State Government has commenced installation of new pumps at the Iju Headworks and Akute water intake stations.
The Tide source reports that the project is aimed at increasing water production, improving operational efficiency and expanding access to potable water across the state.
A statement issued by the Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) over the weekend said the project was approved and funded by the state government.
It said the installation was part of the rehabilitation of the Iju Headworks and Akute Intake Station under Lots 1, 2 and 3.
According to LWC, the rehabilitation is designed to modernise water production facilities, strengthen operations and improve public water supply.
The Network of Female Professionals in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Nigeria (FEMinWASH) and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) are set to partner on gender-responsive systems strengthening, capacity development and WASH initiatives.
The partnership was proposed during a courtesy visit by a FEMinWASH delegation, led by its President and Convener, Dr Boluwaji Onabolu, to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, in Abuja.
Onabolu, who conveyed greetings from FEMinWASH Patron, retired Engineer Ebele Okeke, commended Walson-Jack for upholding the Federal Civil Service’s EPIC values of Efficient, Productive, Incorruptible and Citizen-centred leadership.
She praised the HoCSF’s efforts in advancing gender inclusion in WASH and the civil service, including the development of the National Gender in Water Resources Mainstreaming Policy and mentoring programmes for women leaders.
Onabolu also highlighted the INSPIRE (Inclusive Network for Supporting Progressive Leadership, Innovation, Reform and Equity for Women) programme, aimed at strengthening women’s leadership and inclusion.
She said FEMinWASH was seeking a formal partnership and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the OHCSF to support INSPIRE, WASH advocacy, capacity building and the institutionalisation of Gender-Responsive Budgeting across the Federal Civil Service.
Responding, Walson-Jack commended the diverse expertise of the FEMinWASH delegation, noting that professionals in WASH, water resources, environment, public health, town planning and education were critical to addressing development challenges.
She welcomed the proposed partnership, assuring that the OHCSF was ready to collaborate with FEMinWASH on civil service strengthening and WASH-related initiatives.
The meeting agreed to further engagements with Dr Garba, Permanent Secretary (Special Duties), and Ms Funke Baruwa, Lead for Partnerships at the OHCSF, to advance the collaboration.
The visit ended with a photo session and exchange of gifts between both parties.
The Special Adviser on Environment, Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, commended the community on the massive turn-out for sanitation.
He also appreciated the chairman and his team for their support to the ministry.
Rotimi-Akodu urged the community to continue to support the council and by extension, the government, by participating in the exercise and engaging in proper disposal of wastes.
“We have heard your appeal, and I assure you that Lagos government will do something about it.
“Although we have PSP operators in this axis, maybe they were assigned to other areas.
“However, I will ensure something is done and residents will observe the improvement.” the advisor said.
Also, the Managing Director, Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LASMA), Mr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said that waste management was a collective exercise.
Gbadegbesin, therefore, appealed to the residents to always dispose of their wastes properly.
“You must bag your waste at home. Make sure you have a bin to keep the waste for few days, even if there is a delay by the PSP operator.
“Make sure you pay your PSP operator on time because there is no way they can provide that service if you are not paying them regularly.
The Non Governmental Organization (NGO) Go Green Nigeria Foundation, , has called for more stringent government efforts toward prohibition of illegal sand mining in Rivers, following erosion threats.
The founder of NGO Dr John Babington made the call on last Monday in Umuechem, Etche Local Government Area of Rivers, to commemorate the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems.
Babington, who sensitised the community on dangers associated with crude sand mining, donated some trees as part of efforts to promote tree planting and revitalisation of the altered mangrove ecosystem.
During an interactive session with the community, the environmental expert identified various concerns and commended residents for their willingness to work together to end the excavation.
He, however, dismissed the notion that illegal sand mining was due to poverty and unemployment, saying, ”the business is a capital intensive venture that could only be operated by a rich cartel.”
He said that though the business might have provided menial jobs for few youths, it had not in any manner addressed poverty.
Presently, the landscape is altered with an artificial river encroaching a major access road and threatening public safety,” he said.
Also speaking, a senior Chief in the community, Chief Gilbert Otamiri commended the NGO for the initiative and promised to collaborate with them.
Gilbert, however, urged the government to tackle unemployment which, he said, was a major promoter of the illegal excavation
Also speaking, The Community Development Chairman (CDC) Mr Agbam Mgbechi thanked the group for the sensitisation and donation of trees.
He called on the government and concerned induviduals to emulate the group by making efforts towards salvaging the area from further environmental damage.
-
News5 hours agoSoldier, Police Officer Killed As Army Rescues Nine Abductees In Zamfara
-
News5 hours agoFubara Reaffirms Commitment To Creating Conducive Environment For Business Growth …Commissions Paint Manufacturing Plant
-
Rivers5 hours agoWomen Renew Call For Unity, Back Fubara’s Political Direction
-
Oil & Energy3 hours agoNEDC Plans N100b Power Grid For 102 Council Areas
-
Business3 hours agoAsaba Private Jet Incident Was A Security Violation—Keyamo
-
Oil & Energy3 hours agoNGLPP: FG Targets 5m Households By 2030
-
Sports5 hours ago
INEC Seeks Media Partnership, Declares Readiness For Osun Guber Poll
-
Rivers5 hours agoVice-Chancellor Commends Seamless Conduct Of RSU 2026/2027 Post-UTME Screening Exercise