Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday declared state of emergency on the environment and traffic management in the state in a bid to restore stability and a culture of accountability.
In an executive order he signed on Thursday, Sanwo-Olu noted that the state of emergency became imperative following incessant traffic and unwholesome sanitation practices that had been major challenges in Lagos State.
The Executive Order is titled “Re: Enforcement of Law and Order in respect Traffic and Sanitation Matters.”
According to Sanwo-Olu, these unaddressed traffic and environmental violations continued to constitute a nuisance that threatened the safety and well-being of all citizens.
“There is therefore a need to declare a state of emergency over environmental/sanitation and traffic management matters within the state so as to start the process of restoring stability and a culture of to accountability in which all the citizens become active stakeholders in bringing about the necessary changes,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu said as from the date of the executive order, there shall be zero tolerance for environmental abuse, including illegal and indiscriminate refuse dumping and construction of structures on drainage points and setbacks.
He said the Office of Drainage Services under the Ministry of the Environment shall be imbued with the power to commence an aggressive cleaning of all secondary and tertiary drainage systems in all Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas within the state in a bid to eliminate refuse, silt and other drainage blockage as well as ensuring easy and free flow of rain water during the raining season.
“All LASTMA officials shall effectively carry out their functions by ensuring strict enforcement and compliance with all extant traffic rules and regulation fully prescribed by enabling laws.
“LASTMA officials will immediately begin work on a shift basis in which road and traffic management operations will last till 11pm on daily basis.
“Lagos State Public Works Corporation will immediately commence the identification and repairs of all potholes and bad roads within the state.
“The provisions of this Order shall extend to all law enforcement agencies in the state in maintaining law and order for the collective good of the citizens,” he said.
The governor said he expected the fullest level of compliance with the order and would look to the Ministries, Departments and Agencies to give full force and effect to the orders and to take full responsibility for any failures.