The Lagos State Government, on Saturday, debunked reports claiming that it has resumed the monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said no categorical statement has yet been made regarding the commencement date of the exercise.
Wahab explained that what he told journalists after a project inspection tour last Sunday was that, engagements with relevant stakeholders are still ongoing.
He said the government had planned to begin with a sensitisation programme last week, but was constrained by logistics issues.
“The truth is, we were meant to start with a sensitisation programme last week, but we had a logistics issue. We need to find a day that is acceptable to all stakeholders,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the exercise might return soon, adding that the official date would be communicated by the governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The commissioner urged law-abiding residents to continue their lawful activities without hindrance, assuring them that adequate notice would be given before the exercise is reintroduced.
The monthly environmental sanitation, previously held on the last Saturday of every month between 7.00am and 10.00am, was suspended in November 2016 following a legal pronouncement restricting movement during the exercise.
However, renewed waste management challenges, including clogged drainage channels and indiscriminate refuse disposal, have necessitated calls from residents for its reinstatement.
-NAN