Stories by Maduka Nweke
The Lagos State Ministry of the Environment, in collaboration with Visionscape, has swung into action and cleared over 12,600 metric tonnes of waste from over 80 locations across Lagos State, in an exercise tagged “Operation Deep Clean”.
The clean up of refuse dumps all over the state began in July. With Visionscape clearing up black spots – illegal waste dumpsites.
Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, in a statement, affirmed the government’s resolve to rid the state of refuse heaps and solicited the support of all residents for the soon-to-be fully launched Cleaner Lagos Initiative.
“Since the exercise began, over 80 locations across the state have been covered and we are building momentum despite the heavy rainfall this season. We are building a new culture of waste management in Lagos State. We are optimistic that all communities in the state will see overall benefits of this drive to put an integrated waste management system in place,” he said.
Many Lagosians have commended Operation Deep Clean, positing that the impact would be phenomenal once it spreads to all parts of the state.
Speaking in an interview, Mrs. Abiodun Yusuff, a shop owner in Egbeda area of the state, said the government’s good jobs deserved commendation, adding that the Lagos State administration was silently revolutionising waste management in the state. She said the positive impact of the Cleaner Lagos Initiative is being felt in the state.
“I was getting worried about the seriousness of the state government to address waste management because at some point and even in some areas now, you still find heaps of refuse on the road. But I commend the government officials for the good job they did in our area. My only charge to them is that they should not relent but keep on cleaning everywhere and ensure that the state is free of waste,” she said.