Environment
Residents Urge Lagos Govt To Address Flooding
Residents of Egbiri community in Ojokoro Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, on Saturday appealed to the state government to urgently address the problem of perennial flooding in the area.
Mr Olu Omoshaye, a community leader in the area, made the appeal on behalf of the residents when the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Tunji Bello, visited the area during the monthly environmental sanitation.
He said the neglect of Egbiri by successive governments had led to serious developmental challenges which had made life difficult for residents, adding that the few projects in the area were done through self help.
The community leader noted that residents were always jittery during the rainy season as many had been sacked from their homes by flood from an overflowing river in the community.
“The whole of this area is not passable during the rainy season as it is completely taken over by massive floods and we have lost a good number of lives, including those of school children, to the floods.
“We can`t afford all of these anymore and we want the government to build a good drainage system and a bulk bridge across the river to enable residents move safely during the rains,“ he said.
The community leader, however, commended the state government for the provision of health care facilities in the area, which, he said, had helped to improve access to healthcare.
He also commended government‘s efforts at strengthening security in the area, saying that the various security initiatives had reduced cases of armed robbery in the area.
Responding, the commissioner said that the problem of flooding in the community was mainly caused by the topography of the area as well as abuse of the environment by residents.
He assured that the state government would address the problem of flooding in the area and urged residents to safeguard the environment by refraining from acts that could cause environmental problems.
The commissioner also visited the Ojokoro Cattle Market where he lamented the poor sanitary condition of the market.
The commissioner warned that the state government would take stern measures if the traders failed to improve the sanitary condition of the market, especially the pervasive stench, within one month.
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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