Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos has come down hard on environmental offenders, ordering the closure of shops for 20 days over reckless dumping of refuse on public roads.
The Chairman of the council, Mr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, issued the directive on Wednesday, mandating the Environmental Department to seal affected shops along the NBC Road Corridor, Ebute Police Post Junction, Ipakodo area of Ikorodu.
The hammer fell after Olanrewaju personally led a cleanup operation to evacuate heaps of refuse unlawfully dumped on the road median by residents and business operators, turning a public thoroughfare into a refuse pit.
Speaking on the action, the chairman said his administration remains unshakably committed to protecting public health and enforcing environmental standards, while sustaining awareness on the dangers and health risks posed by indiscriminate waste disposal.
“I met with the shop owners daily for one week, passionately pleading for compliance to prevent disease outbreaks and environmental pollution.
“This decisive action follows a repeated, flagrant, and unacceptable defiance of environmental laws by some business operators despite my multiple interventions and personal appeals.
“This administration is fundamentally committed to the health and sustainable development of Ikorodu West.
“We will not plead endlessly, while public health is jeopardised,” he said.
Olanrewaju noted that the council has stepped up measures to tackle waste management challenges head-on, stressing that a filthy environment is a ticking time bomb.
He called on residents and traders to work hand-in-glove with the council by embracing proper waste disposal methods.
“Utilise the assigned Lagos State Waste Management Authority private sector partnership operators.
“Together, let us build a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous Ikorodu West,” he said.
