Residents across Lagos State on Saturday complied with the reintroduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise, cleaning their surroundings in line with government directives.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that residents swept streets, cleared gutters and cut overgrown grasses in many areas, while vehicular movement was largely restricted.
Areas monitored included Okeafa in Isolo, Surulere, Festac Town and the Ajah axis.
In Okeafa, roads were deserted as residents cleaned their environment.
Mr Metu Jacobs of Toyin-Adebiyi Street described the exercise as a welcome development.
He said indiscriminate refuse disposal had made many parts of Lagos dirty, and urged authorities to enforce compliance to sustain cleanliness.
Mr Brown Asukwo said he adjusted his work schedule to participate.
He added that the two-hour duration was convenient and would not disrupt economic activities.
In Surulere, NAN reports high compliance by residents, who cleaned drainages, swept streets and bagged refuse for evacuation.
Major roads, including Bode Thomas, Adeniran Ogunsanya, Masha and Kilo axis, recorded restricted vehicular movement.
Sanitation workers from the Lagos Waste Management Authority and Kick Against Indiscipline were seen clearing waste.
Mrs Falilat Sanusi, a sanitation worker, said she and colleagues began work early to cover more areas.
Mr Oyemade Okonlawon of the Lagos State Neighborhood Watch described residents’ response as encouraging.
Some residents said the exercise would improve hygiene, reduce mosquito infestation and aid drainage during rainfall.
Mr Seyi Lawal urged government to complement the exercise with efficient waste evacuation and sustained enlightenment.
In Festac Town, the exercise also encouraged social interaction among residents.
Mr Ekanem Michael said it promoted cleanliness and stronger neighborhood ties.
Mr Karo Joshua highlighted its health benefits, especially reduction of mosquito-related diseases.
In the Ajah axis, residents in highbrow communities welcomed the restored exercise.
Mr Taiwo Olorunfemi described it as a return to shared responsibility.
He said it was helping to break social barriers in gated communities.
“This simple act of cleaning together is fostering interaction,” he said.
Mr Thomas Johnson said the exercise created opportunities for residents to build relationships.
Mr Bankole Smart said it could strengthen informal community surveillance and cooperation.
NAN reports that compliance was high in many areas. However, some waste heaps awaited evacuation after the exercise, while monitoring by enforcement officials also appeared limited in some locations.
The Lagos State Government recently reintroduced the monthly sanitation exercise. It is scheduled for the last Saturday of every month from 6.30 a.m. to 8.30 a.m.
The initiative is aimed at promoting a cleaner and healthier environment. (NAN)
