The Lagos State Government (LASG) has reiterated its commitment to enforcing the ban on single-use plastics, emphasizing the importance of the policy in protecting the environment and enhancing the state’s infrastructure.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, made this known on Sunday during an inspection tour of ongoing projects at the Odo Iyalaro System 1 site and other locations across the state.
Speaking with journalists after the visit, Wahab said the government had received positive feedback regarding its enforcement efforts, attributing much of the success to sustained advocacy and public engagement over the last 18 months.
“The response has been good because we have done the advocacy for 18 months, and the engagement has been very consistent,” Wahab said. “We are also ramping up our advocacy on the radio and television.”
The tour, according to Wahab, was part of the government’s strategy to assess the progress of critical infrastructure projects. He specifically highlighted progress made at the Odo-Iyalaro System 1 site behind Sheraton Hotel in Lagos.
“It has been raining for the past few days, and the feedback we are getting is heartwarming. But that is not enough for us to fold our hands,” he said.
“When we visited Odo-Iyalaro System 1 about four months ago, nothing had started. Today, I’m glad to report that about 45 to 46 percent of the job has been completed.”
He explained that work had already been done on the construction of the tripasoda, a 25-meter structure that will help channel stormwater into the downstream system beneath the new bridge.
The commissioner also visited the Ogudu section of the same project, where preparations are underway for installation work. He noted that the installation of sheet piles was in progress and that logistics were being finalized for work to commence immediately.
“This is a very critical part of the project, and we’re meeting with contractors this week to ensure they begin the next phase of installation,” Wahab said.
During the tour, Wahab revealed that the ministry had received whistleblower reports about illegal construction on the Right of Way (ROA) in some areas, including the Adisa channel in Alapere. He said the government would act swiftly to prevent any obstruction to the drainage systems.
“We got a tip-off that people are building on the ROA and the alignment of a critical channel. We’re here to inspect it personally, and those involved will be served notices,” he said.
“We also noticed some residents creating makeshift dumpsites near their homes. We’ll be serving notices there as well to prevent environmental hazards.”
Wahab emphasized the need for residents to respect state infrastructure and environmental policies, especially as drainage and flood control projects are expected to run for a period of 24 months.
“We appeal to residents to stop encroaching on the ROA. These projects are vital for the safety and wellbeing of our communities,” he added.
