...Partners Transport Unions to Keep Roads, Parks and Garages Clean
The Lagos State Government has announced a zero-tolerance policy against indiscriminate waste dumping on roads across the state and revealed plans to establish a special "Waste Police" to strengthen environmental sanitation and promote a cleaner Lagos.
The move follows the directive of the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for the immediate evacuation of waste from roads and public spaces across the state.
To achieve this objective, the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation and the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), in collaboration with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), have resolved to ensure that roads, motor parks and garages remain clean and free of waste at all times.
Speaking during a stakeholders' meeting held at the Ministry of Transportation, the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, emphasized the need for transport unions to take ownership of sanitation within their operational areas by ensuring that parks and garages are properly maintained.
According to him, transport operators must discourage indiscriminate trading and the improper disposal of waste within and around motor parks, stressing that environmental cleanliness remains a collective responsibility.
Osiyemi disclosed that the Ministry would soon commence enforcement operations across the state to ensure compliance with environmental sanitation regulations and proper waste management practices.
Reaffirming the government's commitment to a cleaner environment, the Commissioner stated that roads are not designated refuse dumps and warned that violators would face appropriate sanctions.
He further announced that the State Government would establish a "Waste Police" comprising members of transport unions across all local government areas. The initiative is designed to monitor motor parks, garages and adjoining roads, ensuring that refuse is not indiscriminately dumped in public spaces.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Sam Egube, noted that in many developed societies, road transport operators work closely with government agencies to safeguard transport infrastructure and public facilities.
He urged all stakeholders to embrace the initiative and support government efforts aimed at overcoming the challenges of waste management and environmental degradation in the state.
Similarly, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, called on transport unions and residents to cooperate fully with the government in maintaining a clean and healthy environment. He stressed that environmental sanitation is crucial to public health, urban development and the overall image of Lagos as a leading megacity.
The Lagos State Government reiterated its determination to sustain a cleaner, safer and healthier environment for all residents, warning that acts of indiscriminate waste disposal would no longer be tolerated under any circumstances.
See pictures
The government therefore appealed to residents, traders, transport operators and all stakeholders to support the initiative by adopting responsible waste disposal practices and protecting public infrastructure.
0 Comments