•LASG decries degradation of Apapa GRA

By Monsur Olowoopejo

AS the rainy season begins, Lagos State Government has urged residents to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains and unapproved sites.

This came as the government expressed concern over the environmental degradation of Apapa GRA, occasioned by the regular influx of people from the neighbouring Ajegunle Community through several unapproved points by crossing the Badagry Road Creek.

The Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, during an assessment tour of Apapa area, said the government is committed to a clean, hygienic and flood free environment and therefore, would not tolerate any violation of the state’s environmental law.

Bello explained that the state government had spent huge tax payers’ money on construction and reconstruction of drainages and canals aimed at eliminating flooding in the state.

He said the inspection was sequel to several complaints from the Apapa GRA Resident Association, hence, the need to restore the sanity of the area.

Residents of the GRA had severally, complained about the continuous bombardment of their area with refuse, human wastes, illegal shanties and stalls, illegal motor parks, street trading and noise pollution among others.

“Peace, security and health of the people living in this otherwise serene environment are being compromised daily through indiscriminate activities of people who enter the GRA through several unapproved points by crossing the Badagry Road Creek” he said.

According to Bello, “while we all have the right as Nigerians to carry out our business and other lawful activities in any part of the country, we must do so within the law. No one has the right to violate the peace and security of others, even in the name of eking out a living.

“The Apapa GRA is a noble area which used to be the pride of Lagos State. We cannot fold our arms and allow some unscrupulous people ruin the area. We shall work with the residents association to restore the glory of Apapa GRA.”

Bello noted that the state government was committed to its zero tolerance policy and would therefore not tolerate environmental abuses in any part of the state.