By OLAITAN IDRIS

The Lagos State Government (LASG) has announced the immediate closure of Oko-Oba Abattoir over environmental violations and inappropriate operational practices.

The Commissioner For Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, said this while speaking with journalists after an inspection tour of the abattoir on Thursday in Lagos.

Wahab, who expressed disappointment about the situation of the abattoir, admonished the operators for defying regulations.

He, however, appealed to communities to take ownership of their neighbourhoods.

?We got a very strongly worded petition with reference to the state of Oko-Oba Abattoir and got a concurrence petition again from the Ministry of Agric and Food Security.

?They requested that the Ministry of Environment should intervene urgently with respect to the environmental degradation of that facility.

?So, we came this morning, and it?s very heart-wrenching what we saw there. Humans are now occupying tents built purposely for animals.

?The operators have also defied regulations, and they have chosen to be law unto themselves. They slaughter animals, discharge waste into the public drainage system, and it?s just unacceptable,? he said.

He added that the ministry would take a drastic, firm, and decisive action until they were able to comply with the minimum standard.

?The next step is, we are going to take a very drastic, firm and decisive action until they are able to comply with the minimum standard but we have to be very decisive in the next few hours. It?s a catastrophic thing to happen,? he said.

Wahab who said the ministry would close down the abattoir noted that they were not working in silos but rather with the Ministry of Agriculture.

?We are the same government. We are not working in silos. I am glad this major complaint came from the Ministry of Agric.

?This system is settled by laws. There are regulations for the abattoir. You can?t choose to defy and go your own way.

?Once we start the enforcement, we are also going to ensure we have the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) there.

?But this is beyond LASEPA. The Lagos Waste Management Authority must have a main station there,? he said.

Wahab who also visited Johnathan Coker Road, along Agege area of the state, expressed deep concern over the deplorable state of infrastructure orchestrated by some mid rants.

He disclosed some individuals had been found chiselling iron rods from bridges and drainage systems funded by taxpayers.

?These infrastructures cost the state huge resources. We can?t build and still police them daily,? he said.

He called on Community Development Associations (CDAs) to take ownership.

?The three CDA chairmen here today must step up. It?s your community. Protect what is yours,? he urged.

Wahab also decried residents? refusal to pay for waste services preferring to dump refuse indiscriminately.

He affirmed that the government was actively prosecuting offenders caught in the act and would not relent in its efforts to enforce environmental laws across the state.

?Our laws are clear. You generate your waste, pay for it. No more freeloading. We are also grateful that many Lagosians are beginning to take ownership and whistle-blow on violations.

?It?s a gradual process, but we?re making progress,? he added. (NAN)

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