In a move to address the growing issue of illegal waste disposal during floods, the Lagos State Government has identified and locked down a building where residents were caught throwing trash into floodwaters.
The incident occurred in the Ijesha community within the Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area, as revealed by Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources.
A photo circulating on social media showed a man and a woman rolling a trash drum into the flooded street, prompting a concerned citizen, Twitter user @Adetutuadeoye3, to share the image and call out the residents’ actions.
“These people just poured out their waste in the flood water. This is no 2 Akewukewe Street beside Ikate Local Government in Ijesha Surulere,” the user wrote.
Responding swiftly, Commissioner Wahab acknowledged the report and stated that the necessary authorities, including the @muyiwag and @lawma_gov handles, had been notified.
“The house has been identified and locked immediately by the Environmental Health Service Department of Itire-Ikate LCDA,” Wahab confirmed.
This crackdown comes amid widespread flooding that has impacted various areas of Lagos, including Iyana-Oworo, Oshodi, and Lagos Island, bringing many activities to a standstill.
Social media has been abuzz with videos and images showcasing the extent of the flooding, which started around 3 a.m. on Wednesday, leaving many residents stranded in their homes and rendering the streets impassable.
The incident highlights the broader challenges faced by Lagos residents when it comes to waste management and drainage infrastructure, particularly during heavy downpours. By taking swift action against illegal dumping, the Lagos State Government aims to address this pressing issue and promote a cleaner, more sustainable environment for its citizens.
