Lagos State Government has earmarked the sum of N1 billion for the execution of the various ongoing beautification and landscaping projects across the state.
The projects include the loops, medians along highways, setbacks and development of recreationalparks in some identified locations within the metropolis.
The state Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Muiz Banire who made this known yesterday during an on the spot assessment of various ongoing beautification projects being undertaken by the ministry however said over N500 million had so far been expended on the project.
He added that first phase would be completed by the end of January, 2008. Banire stressed that the projects would have been completed before the set time, but the scarce resources to execute the project had been the cause of the delay.
He noted that the project was a demonstration of the commitment and determination of the present administration to secure and promote a healthy environment culture for the citizenry as well as tackle the myriad environmental problems in the state.
According to Banire, �indeed the challenges are quiteenormous, but I can assure you that the presenta dministration is poised to surmount them as well ascreate a Lagos that will be conducive for economic and tourism activities.�
The commissioner added that in 2008, the ministry will put in place strategies geared towards attaining a cleaner, hygienic and sustainable environment for Lagos residents.
�In our resolve to evolve and attain a cleaner and sustainable environment in the state, the ministry has declared a new programme for the environmental challenges in 10 local government council areas and inorder to achieve the task, Governor Babatunde Fashola has approved the money in the state 2007 supplementary budget recently approved by the state House of Assembly.�
Banire further said.On the maintenance of the projects when finally commissioned, Banire explained that the state government has a plan of collaborating with willing corporate organisations which will ensure effective management.
The commissioner during the tour, apparently not satisfied with the level of compliance of some organisations on the need for beautification of their environment, ordered the director in charge to serve as even day warning notices to the firms or have their premises shut.
Banire pointed out that the failure of such companies to make best use of their environment by planting flowers and trees is the major reason for the erection of illegal structures across the state.
He declared that the state government would henceforth embark on a zero tolerance enforcement onany corporate organisation or individuals that disregards the state environmental laws.
The Commissioner added that the state government wouldextend the beautification projects to other parts of the statemetropolis as well as ready to commit more funds intothe projects next year.Most of the contractors handling the projects who gavethe end of January 2008 as the date for completion,however gave various challenges and set back beingencountered which include; the menace of miscreants(Area boys), flooding, cattle rearing and other formsof pollution.Places visited by the Commissioner and his entourageincluded Development of FalomoClover leaf park, Marina Linear park, tree plantingalong Apongbon area, Sura and Adeniji loops,landscaping of local Airport loops, Oworosoki D1and D2loops as well as restoration project of old Lagos TollGate
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