By Tony Obi
The Lagos State Government has earned the praises of residents of the state for its swift response after Akobi Crescent in Surulere was flooded and overtaken by debris following a torrential rainfall.
The debris elicited concern from Lagosians who took to their social media handle to express their apprehension. However, within a few hours after the incident happened, government officials and Visionscape, an environmental utility group, moved their equipment to the flashpoint and evacuated the tonnes of debris from the area. Many residents of the state took to their social media handle to show appreciation. Toyin Olufemi Bawaallah said on facebook: “Good job. I am familiar with the area…”
Azuka Jebose: “Great rapid response by you guys. Governance is a two-way street. The government must meet its responsibility to the people. We the people must also meet ours the govt. Our mindset should change toward our involvement in cleaner society or environment.
“The earth does not belong to us. We belong to it. Our civic responsibilities to help government to help us cannot be over-emphasised. So next time you drink pure water satchet or bottle, discard wastes purposefully. We must help government to help us. Thanks for the rapid response.”
Alexis Onome-Egborge: “Great to see the work is being done.” Victoria: “Thanks to @AkinwunmiAmbode and Visionscape. Our streets are clean again.” Mayowa Balogun: “What happened (has) happened but I am happy with the response by the government.”
Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Babatunde Adejare, said government would spare no efforts in ridding the state of all illegal dumpsites designated as environmental dark spots, assuring that such sites would be cleaned up in the next 60 days:
“Yes, I can confirm that we have commenced ‘Operation Deep Clean’ in partnership with Visionscape. One thing I can assure Lagosians is that as a government, we are very determined to bequeath a clean, livable and flood-free environment to the people of this state.”
Government had sealed an integrated waste management services contract with Visionscape targeted at ending the perennial flooding confronting the state and ensuring a clean and livable environment. According to the contract spanning 10 years, Visionscape would be responsible for door-to-door waste collection services to households in the state.