The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency has issued issued a ‘stop-work’ order to two steel and iron manufacturing companies in Ikorodu, Sun Flag and Top Steel companies.
A statement from the agency said it was issuing a stern note of warning to other steel and iron manufacturing companies operating in the axis to ensure that they were operating within the state’s environmental standards.
The General Manager of LASEPA, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, who led an enforcement team to the two companies, lamented the state of affairs with dirty and unsafe working conditions observed along with minimal risk control.
Fasawe described the situation as grave, citing the negative effects on the immediate and long-term wellbeing of the general population due to the gross misuse of the shared environment of Lagos State.
She highlighted the inherent risk of explosions, fires, and other public safety concerns owing to poor housekeeping.
Fasawe said, “There are environmentally friendly ways to carry out recycling activities; Lagos State is promoting and encouraging a shift from linear to the circular economy.
“The government under Gov. Sanwo-Olu encourages recycling but not at the expense of our peoples’ lives and the environment.
“A lot of the machines being used here for recycling are archaic, poorly maintained, and not fit for purpose under current and future environmental standards.
“They release large quantities of noxious gases, fumes and other hazardous substances which are a direct result of prioritising profit over the planet and people.
“As a government, we will continue to do everything within our power to ensure that the quality of air which our residents breathe and indeed all environmental media (land, soil, flora, fauna) is not negatively impacted by industrial activities.”
Fasawe noted that the state government in partnership with the World Bank sited six pilot Air Quality Monitoring Stations located in Akoka, Jakara-Island Ipaja, Ikeja, Lekki and Ikorodu with the task of tracking all vital air quality indices as well as providing data on distribution and flow of pollution events from source to receptors.
The General Manager, Sunflag Steel Nigeria Ltd, Mr Pankaj Mutreja and Mr Adilya Pathalk of Top Steel Company agreed to comply with all environmental laws of the state, the statement said.
– Punch