The Lagos State Government has restated its determination to continue rewarding hard work and diligence, just as it honoured operatives of the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) who have distinguished themselves with cash awards.
Speaking at the event which also doubled as the end of year party for staff, held at the Ministry of Environment’s Quadrangle, Alausa, the Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, said the event was aimed at encouraging the operatives to improve productivity.
He explained that the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) has been responsible for cleaning several primary and secondary drains, as well as black spots, throughout the year in all the 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas, adding that they function as the quick response arm of the State Government in freeing several clogged up drains from waste and silts promptly.
In his words: “Without your immense contributions to deflooding our drains and cleaning the environment, we would not have achieved the level of success recorded, especially in deflooding, and this is the reason why the State Government would continuously support your efforts”.
The Commissioner mentioned that EFAG remains the pride of the Environment Ministry, maintaining that their impact is being felt and appreciated by Lagosians all over. He also averred that the State Government is working on an improved welfare package for the EFAG team, saying that other incentives will be added to their welfare in due course.
Earlier in his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Drainage and Water Resources, Engr. Joe Igbokwe, commended the EFAG team for giving their best towards making Lagos flood-free.
While informing that Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration is determined to prevent loss of lives and property occasioned by flooding, Igbokwe charged the EFAG team to always wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for protection from diseases while on duty.
He noted that cleaning of canals, manholes and secondary channels in all the 20 LGs and 37 LCDAs across the State aid water to flow naturally, stressing that the government will not relent in performing its responsibilities of ensuring a flood free and clean environment.
“The State government would continue to support you, we would continue to raise the bar and defend you. I would like to appeal to you to continue the good work and this is a push for you to do more”, Igbokwe said.
He charged residents to complement the efforts of EFAG and start policing the canals and channels in their areas, while desisting from the arbitrary dumping of refuse into canals in order to continuously sustain a flood-free Lagos.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Olalekan Shodeinde, described the activities of the team as a great intervention, saying the achievement of the Office of Drainage and Water Resources will be incomplete without mentioning the EFAG team.
“The EFAG Gang has carried out routine maintenance, cleaning and emergency deflooding interventions on both primary and secondary drains all over the State in the last two years”, he disclosed.
The Permanent Secretary also admonished the EFAG men to be ambassadors of the Ministry in their respective neighbourhoods and preach the gospel of a clean environment, saying that they are the first contact with the people at the grassroots.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of cash awards for the four quarters of Y2021 to operatives who distinguished themselves on a local government by local government basis.
