The Lagos State Government has declared that the July 2016 Environmental Sanitation Exercise will hold tomorrow, Saturday, July 30, and be dedicated to cleaning of drains and canals across the state, to allow for free flow of water as the rainy season nears its peak.

The Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, in a press statement, stated that the Sanitation Exercise will be observed state-wide between the usual hours of 7:00am-10.00am during which, as usual, there will be restriction of human and vehicular movement across the state.

Dr. Adejare implored Lagosians to come out en-masse to clean and clear canals in their neighbourhood so as to continually prevent flooding in the State and warned that the period of environmental sanitation should not be used for any social engagement or sporting activity.

According to him, “As we are all aware, Lagos is a coastal city that has high water table levels and is prone to flash-floods whenever it rains. We must therefore imbibe habits which will reduce to the barest minimum the incidence of flooding in the state.”

Speaking further, Adejare said “the target of the State this year is to sustain past records of flood abatement,” adding that “this can only be achieved through effective collaboration of the people.”

The commissioner advised residents of the State to desist from dumping waste arbitrarily into drainage channels and canals in order to maintain a flood-free Lagos. He also warned residents who still patronize cart pushers to desist from the illegal act and urged that disposal of waste must be through LAWMA/PSP Operators.

Adejare affirmed that relevant law enforcement agencies and officials from LAWMA, LASTMA and KAI have been fully mobilised to enforce the restriction of movement order.

All private and public transport operators are expected to comply with the restriction order between 7.00am-10.00am and anyone caught violating this order will be apprehended and prosecuted in line with the State’s Environmental Sanitation Laws, he said.

The Commissioner assured residents of the commitment and determination of the State Government to attain a sustainable, safe and clean environment and urged Lagosians to support Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s vision of a cleaner and healthier Lagos by abstaining from bad environmental practices

•Photo shows Governor Ambode.