In relation to the ongoing Dangote refinery project at Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ), the Lagos State Government (LASG) has called on the Dangote Group to provide necessary relief materials to residents of the Lekki-Epe area who might have been exposed to distress due to the ongoing massive constructions.
Lauding the project as one that will contribute to reduction of unemployment in the State, LASG has stressed that Dangote Group must give special considerations to employing and engaging Lagosians, particularly residents of the Lekki-Epe area in the services of the company.
Making this call during a working visit to LFTZ, the Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Dr. (Mrs.) Lola Akande, affirmed that the State government will provide the necessary support needed to ensure successful completion of the refinery project and all other ongoing construction works within the zone.
The Commissioner said, “I must say that I am very happy with this project. I will also add that the host communities must feel the positive impact of having a project of this magnitude within their neighbourhood. As such, the owners of this project must give due attention to the residents in the company with regards to employment”.
She described the refinery as a laudable project that would reduce unemployment within the Lekki-Epe corridor and the entire State when completed.
While noting that the project would positively impact the economy and increase the revenue base of the State Government, the Commissioner advised the management of the refinery to ensure the sustenance of an eco-friendly policy by avoiding any form of pollution that can impact negatively on the neighbourhood.
Moreover, she emphasised that the resettlement arrangement put in place must be adhered to, in order to continue to enjoy a peaceful ambience within the host communities.
The Dangote Refinery project which started in 2014 is the single largest Train Petroleum Refinery in the world and was designed for a 4.742 capacity that can be expanded in the future.
However, the Lagos State Government has called on residents of the State to stay clear from indiscriminate dumping of refuse and put a stop to the culture.
The State further urged residents to endeavour they clear their tertiary drains to avert an outbreak of disease.
This call was made by the State Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mrs. Yetunde Arobieke who gave the warning during a joint inspection tour of the drainage channels in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government and Ifelodun Local Council Development Area.
Arobieke, in company of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Drainage and Water Resources, Mr. Joe Igbokwe and other top Government functionaries, said that there is a need for Lagos residents to stop indiscriminate dumping of generated waste into tertiary drains in order to prevent the blockage of wastewater to the primary and secondary drainage channels.
She Stressed the damaging environmental effects among other hazards that blockage of drainages can cause to human health.
She however, charged environmental sanitation officers in all the local government councils in the State to be diligent to their responsibilities and embark on advocacy programmes that will yield positive outcomes.
In his remark, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Drainage and Water Resources, Mr. Joe Igbokwe further charged the residents against indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainage channels.
He said, “Clearing of tertiary drainage channels is a collective effort of both the residents and the local government councils. Ensure to clear your drains and allow free flow of water to avoid flooding of our roads”.
Moreover, the Chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA, Mr. Fatai Adekunle Ayoola, who led the team on the inspection tour of the drainage channels in the communities, commended the State government for the intervention, noting that he has commenced the distilling of blocked tertiary drains in Cemetery and Iyalode Street amongst others.
Source: Nigerian NewsDirect
