By DAMILOLA NUBI/LILIAN U. OKORO

Some residents of Lagos on Saturday commended the reintroduction of the monthly environmental sanitation but called for a review of the timeframe to enable wider participation.

The Lagos State Government had reinstated the exercise, which took effect from April 25, mandating residents to clean their surroundings, including drainages, and adjoining streets, on the last Saturday of every month between 6.30 a.m. and 8.30 a.m.

A NAN correspondent who monitored the exercise in Oke-Afa reported no vehicle movement. Residents were mostly chatting and drinking in groups, with a few cleaning their shops and surroundings as required.

Shops remained locked during the exercise, with business activities suspended.

Speaking, a trader at Balogun Market, Mr Michael Adindu, described the initiative as a welcome development but said the timing was too early for many traders to participate.

“I think the time is too early to allow people to get to their respective shops and business areas.

“I do not go to the market early; I usually leave home around 8.00 a.m. daily. As a result, I am still at home and waiting for the restrictions to be lifted.

“If the time can be reviewed, perhaps starting from 8.30 a.m., it will enable more people to participate properly,” he said.

In the same vein, Mrs Grace Raymond, suggested that movement restrictions be relaxed to allow residents access to their business locations.

“I intend to clean the drainage in front of my shop, but I could not leave home before 6.00 a.m. due to domestic chores.

“I have taken care of my home, but I am unable to get to my shop where I planned to carry out the cleaning,” she said.

A shop owner, Ms Peace Chimere, however, faulted residents who used the sanitation period for leisure instead of participating.

She described the initiative as a good one that would improve environmental hygiene, reduce flooding and promote cleanliness, while urging the government to strengthen enforcement.

Meanwhile, residents of Igbogbo-Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA) expressed mixed reactions to the exercise, citing inadequate time, poor sensitisation and low compliance.

Monitoring by NAN in Igbogbo, Baiyeku and adjoining communities showed that many residents remained indoors, with only a few cleaning their immediate environment.

“The sensitisation was not enough. The LCDA needs to do more because construction activities are disrupting drainage cleaning,” he said.

Mr Akinola Igbekoyi emphasised the need for proper waste evacuation.

“The LCDA should ensure that all collected waste is promptly evacuated; otherwise, it will return to the drainage,” he said.

Mrs Funke Adeyemi also lamented the short duration, saying it discouraged thorough cleaning.

“Two hours is not enough. By the time you gather tools and start, the time is almost over.

“The government should extend it to at least half a day,” she said.

Mr Sadiq Lawal noted low compliance, saying many residents did not take the exercise seriously.

Responding, the Chairman of Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA, Mr Hammed Aroyewun, said the council had carried out extensive sensitisation before the exercise.

“We engaged the Community Development Committees, traditional and religious organisations, and used local radio for over a month to sensitise residents.

“However, we will continue to improve on identified challenges,” he said.

Aroyewun assured residents of proper waste evacuation, noting that the process would continue beyond the stipulated sanitation hours.

“We have several vehicles on the ground to clear waste, and we will not allow refuse to litter the environment again,” he said.

He warned that defaulters would be sanctioned, adding that offenders would be prosecuted accordingly.

Also speaking, the Director of Environmental Services in the LCDA, Mr Adekunle Esso, attributed some of the challenges to ongoing construction activities.

“Construction debris often clogs drainage systems. Once projects are completed, we will ensure proper evacuation,” he said.

Esso added that the current exercise was part of a reorientation process following years of suspension, with stricter enforcement expected in subsequent exercises.

He urged residents to take ownership of their environment for sustainable sanitation. (NAN)