operatives of the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) being rewarded by the Lagos State Government. PHOTOS: DESTINY OKAFOR
BY ODIANOSEN BELIEVE OSEMUAHU
The Lagos State Government has rewarded operatives of the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) for their contributions to a flood-free Lagos while encouraging them to be more committed in the new year.
Speaking during the end of Year party and Award ceremony held recently at Alausa, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab said the state government would continue to provide the necessary equipment and support required for better service delivery.
The Commissioner, who spoke through the Special Adviser on Environment, Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, said the team has been doing a good job in cleaning up secondary drains and manholes in the 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas across the state all year round.
He noted that Lagos State in recent times had not experienced serious flooding, noting that this was a result of the various measures put in place by the Government and the continuous cleaning of the drains by the EFAG Team.
His words, “I would like to express appreciation to the EFAG team once again. Without the team, Lagos will be flooded and as such let me reiterate that the present administration will continue to support you and always put more welfare packages in place for you; continue to work harder for a free flood and a sustainable environment”.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage and Water Resources, Engr. Olalekan Shodeide said the EFAG team remains the pride of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, adding that the team was created to intervene in black spots most especially for emergencies to ensure the free flow of all drainages
He said the government usually fetes and presents awards to the team in various categories in the form of cash rewards at the end of the year to motivate them and to show appreciation for their good job.
He explained that the government has put in place proper Health Insurance for them with the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) and Life Insurance Policy, adding that necessary funds have also been allocated to the team in case of an accident.
He submitted that the Ministry will continue to give the necessary support needed for them to keep up with the good work at all times so that a flood-free Lagos will be achieved year in and year out.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen highlighted the responsibility of EFAG to clean drainages in all Local Governments and LCDA all through the year for easy passage of rainstorm water.
He urged the team not to rest on its oars but to continue to be committed to drainage maintenance to achieve a sustainable cleaner, healthier and safer environment.
In the course of the event, the retiring Director of Drainage Maintenance and EFAG, Engr. Olalekan Ajani was also sent forth after attaining the statutory age of 60 years in the service of the Lagos State Government.
The retiring Director was appreciated by the Environment family for his immense contribution to the achievement recorded in the Ministry through the EFAG team and drainage maintenance generally. Various categories of awards were presented to outstanding operatives of the EFAG team from different zones and their coordinators.
