Lagos State Government over the weekend announced the repositioning of the Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), formerly known as KAI, to spearhead the State’s enforcement of zero-tolerance for indiscriminate waste disposal, street trading, erection of temporary structures on drainage setbacks, open defecation and checkmating the activities of commercial motorcyclists who ply pedestrian walkways.
The disclosure was made by the Commissioner for The Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello during his familiarisation visit to the Head Office of LAGESC at Safety Arena Complex, Oshodi alongside the Special Adviser on Drainage and Water Resources, Engineer Joe Igbokwe.
While revealing that the officers would now be posted to the major highways with security backup as a first step to enforcing the zero-tolerance and ensuring obedience of State sanitation laws, Bello emphasised that the present administration would providing necessary security backups for their operations and equip the operatives with all the necessary kits and equipments to protect themselves from attacks by criminally minded individuals in the course of performing their legitimate duties.
He warned the officers against indulging in acts of bribery and corruption or making use of proxies to receive gratification from environmental sanitation offenders, stating that monitoring gangs have been formed to keep an eye on the activities of the LAGESC officers as they go about their duties.
The Commissioner said his visit to the LAGESC office was to reassure officers of the commitment of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration to their welfare and also boost their morale by recognising hard work, warning that anyone found wanting would face appropriate disciplinary measures.
Bello revealed that as part of the measures to reposition LAGESC, the present pink Uniform would be changed to reflect the colours of the environment, just as the necessary amendments would be made to the law to revert to the old name of Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) which was the original name given to the outfit at inception.
During an interactive session with all the operatives, the Commissioner gave a commitment that the government would stand by employees at all times, even when issues of persecution or harassment arise in the course of performing legitimate duties, urging them to be fair and firm in their dealings with members of the public always to enable the government intercede whenever they are harassed.
He tasked the management of the agency to also explore the possibility of working out off days for officers, some of who complained of working for seven days in the week, saying such working condition is prone to aggravating breakdowns and low productivity.
He maintained that the choice of CP Gbemisola Akinpelu, a retired Commissioner of Police as Corps Marshal of the agency was to ensure smooth collaboration with security agencies.
“Part of the main tasks of LAGESC operatives this year would be the securing of the Lagos Outer Marina corridor which will soon be landscaped and beautified into a park, as part of efforts to restore the lost glory of the area which has now been overtaken by weeds and undesirable elements”, Bello stated.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Drainage and Water Resources, Engineer Joe Igbokwe implored the officers to work with diligence and always apply diplomacy while operating, noting that their operations is prone to confrontations and attacks.
The Commissioner had earlier inspected a guard of honour mounted by officers of the Corps during the visit which also had the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environment, Mrs. Aderonke Odeneye and other Directors of the Ministry in attendance.
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