Xmas/New Year: Lagos waives restriction order on movement during sanitation exercise

The Lagos State Government has lifted the order restricting vehicular and human movement during this month's environmental sanitation exercise expected to hold tomorrow (Saturday).

The state government took the decision in order to allow free movements of persons who may be traveling during the festive season and also to facilitate preparation for the New Year celebrations.

The Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, stated this at an interactive session with journalists in Ikeja, Lagos.

Bello said: 'Cleanliness is next to Godliness. We cannot but encourage cleanliness in all aspects of human endeavour. We, therefore, urge all and sundry to ensure that the New Year is celebrated in the cleanliest environment possible.'

He urged Lagos residents to still observe the monthly exercise as well as clean their homes and immediate environment irrespective of the lifting of the restriction order.

While wishing all Lagos residents a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance, the commissioner advised them to cultivate and imbibe clean habit and hygienic way of life.

He also urged them to bag their refuse properly to allow for easy collection and disposal to designated dumpsites by LAWMA and PSP Operators.

Bello said: 'LAWMA is fully mobilised and will deploy men and equipment to ensure quick evacuation of waste generated during the festive period.

'We also remind Lagos residents that as we approach the New Year, we should consolidate on the gains of a clean city, which we have all worked hard to attain. We, therefore, advise that we should desist from dumping waste into canals and drainages as the consequences of massive flooding being experienced across developed and developing nation is enough warning to discourage us from dumping into drains and canals.'

Stressing that the state government remained focused in its commitment to a clean, hygienic and flood-free environment, the commissioner urged the residents to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains and unapproved sites especially now that global warming had broken territorial boundaries.

He said: 'We advise that Lagos residents should celebrate in moderation and be conscious about our physical environment for as we lay our bed, so shall we lie on it.

'We should, therefore, be reminded that a clean, safe and healthy environment promotes long life as well as reduces unnecessary spending on health matters.'

The commissioner urged all and sundry to join the state in its crusade to attain a cleaner, healthier and sustainable.