Mr Tunji Bello, Commissioner of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, has implored operatives of the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) to be proactive in the discharge of their official duties.
He wondered why decisive steps have not been taken to tackle indiscriminate dumping of refuse and dislodging of recalcitrant street traders from major highways in the state.
A statement from the ministry on Wednesday, signed by Adebayo Kehinde, Head, Public Affairs Unit said the commissioner made the remarks at the Command Headquarters, Safety Arena, Bolade-Oshodi during a working visit to the agency.
The commissioner stressed that there was need for LAGESC operatives to ensure that all major roads in the state are rid of all environmental nuisances and infractions, in order to ensure total cleanliness of the environment.
Bello noted with dismay, the high level of indiscriminate dumping of refuses and rising numbers of hawkers on the major highways, and some major streets on Victoria Island and the Mainland.
The commissioner directed LAGESC officers to move out to all major highways to ensure total sanity, noting that these roads were not meant for trading, but rather people should go into state-approved markets to engage in legalised trading activities.
He said the state government would continue to provide necessary assistance and support, such as strengthening the workforce, insurance policies, additional operational vehicles amongst others towards effective and efficient discharge of their duties.
The commissioner, however, admonished the operatives to desist from any form of unhealthy practises, warning that any of the officers found wanting would be dealt with accordingly.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Corps Marshal, retired CP Akinpelu Gbemisola said the visit was a morale booster.
“This visit will no doubt help to boost the morale of personnel, provide them with encouragement, stimulus and make them feel that they are an integral part of this present administration.
“And most importantly, to intimate them that so much is expected of them for the success of this administration,” he said.
While commenting on the agency’s achievement since assumption of office, she said the agency had embarked on various re-organisation and restructuring strategies towards raising the bar of the organisation toward improved, effective and efficient monitoring of the state environment in line with global best practices of enforcement technique.
“One of such is the expansion of the operational divisions from 1 to 21 for proactive and reactive efficiencies,” he said.
The corps marshal assured the commissioner of the unflinching support and commitment of the management and other staff of the agency to zero tolerance and indiscipline amongst the officers.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of awards of excellence to five of its officers for their outstanding contributions.
The awardees included Yekini Nurudeen, Oladejo Abiodun, Adio Akeem, Ganiyu Kazeem and Alabi Mariam Abiodun(NAN)
