The monthly environmental sanitation recorded low participation across several communities in Ikorodu on Saturday, as residents cited rainfall and the just-concluded Eid-el-Kabir celebration as reasons for noncompliance.

A monitor of the exercise in areas such as Garage, Igbogbo/Baiyeku, and adjoining communities showed that many residents stayed indoors while drains, roadsides, and public spaces were largely unattended.

A resident of Igbogbo, Rasheed Balogun, blamed the poor compliance on the frequent rainfall experienced in recent days.

“The weather has been unpredictable. Many people felt there was no point cleaning when rain could fall at any moment and wash debris back into the drains,” he said.

A trader at Offin-Oreta, Bose Ogunleye, said the Eid-el-Kabir festivity also affected participation.

“Many families spent the last few days celebrating with relatives and friends. Some travelled, while others are still recovering from the stress and expenses of  the celebration,” she said.

Another resident, Oladipo Akinola of Awesu, expressed concern over the poor compliance, noting that environmental sanitation was even more critical during the rainy season.

“Blocked drains contribute to flooding. This is the period residents should be more committed to keeping their surroundings clean rather than staying away from sanitation,” he said.

A resident of Igbe, Adedayo Igbekoyi, urged residents to take more responsibility for maintaining a clean environment.

“We should not use the rain or festive celebrations as excuses. Clean surroundings help prevent diseases and flooding, which are common during this season,” she said.

Meanwhile, some residents who took part in the exercise urged community leaders and relevant authorities to intensify public enlightenment campaigns on the importance of environmental sanitation.

They noted that sustained compliance by residents would go a long way in improving environmental conditions and reducing the impact of flooding in Ikorodu communities.

(NAN)