The Nigerian megacity, Lagos State in
its bid to curb the coronavirus (COVID-19) has directed scavengers to
immediately vacate all refuse dumpsites. This was made known in a statement signed
by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello,
directed the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to give immediate effect
to the directive
“In furtherance of measures introduced to curb the spread of
the Coronavirus, (COVID-19), the Lagos State Government has directed scavengers
to immediately vacate all refuse dumpsites.” The Commissioner added that under
no circumstance should anyone be allowed to continue scavenging on the various
dumpsites in the State, insisting that the govt must ensure PSP operators are
only allowed on dumpsites to discharge refuse and depart immediately.
He stressed that no form of unwholesome business will be allowed to thrive on
any of the dumpsites, reiterating that no form of gatherings either formal or
informal by PSP operators is permitted on the sites.
Lagos State at the time of publication has recorded
25 suspected cases, while the total confirmed cases of the new novel .
coronavirus in Nigeria stands at 36 with one death recorded.
The state had earlier ordered that civil servants from Grade Level 1-12 should
stay at home for the next 14 days with effect from tomorrow 23rd of March,
2020. Meanwhile, the first lady of Nigeria, Aisha Buhari along with other
Nigerians called for total lockdown to stem the spread of COVID-19 (novel
coronavirus) in the country. Aisha and many who joined her voice commended
Nigerian states who have declared closures of schools and placed ban on
worshippers gathering.
