LERSA Leads Clean-Up of Lagos Coastal Road, Calls for Wetlands Preservation

Ezekiel Okpuzor

The Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA) on Saturday embarked on a major environmental sanitation exercise along sections of the Lagos Coastal Road and Ajah Underbridge, urging residents and government agencies to work together to protect critical infrastructure and preserve wetlands to mitigate flooding.

Speaking during the exercise, LERSA Environment Chairperson, Ronke Akinsete, said the association initiated the clean-up as part of efforts to make environmental cleanliness a way of life and safeguard the newly constructed coastal infrastructure.

According to her, the sanitation exercise aligns with the association’s 2026 strategic plan, which prioritises environmental sustainability, community sensitisation and infrastructure preservation.

Akinsete said LERSA adopted portions of the coastal road, particularly around the Goshen Estate axis, for regular maintenance after observing that failure to preserve the infrastructure could lead to deterioration over time.

She explained that the exercise was carried out in collaboration with the office of the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Noheem Babatunde Adams, while the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) also provided support and resources for the operation.

“We have found it necessary to make cleanliness part of our way of life. Infrastructure of this magnitude must be preserved and maintained, and residents also have a responsibility to protect it,” she said.

Akinsete noted that LERSA had consistently partnered with local government authorities across the Lekki Peninsula, from 1004 to Epe, to carry out environmental interventions, including drainage clearing and flood response initiatives in communities such as Ajah, Badore, Agungi and Ogombo.

She said blocked drains and indiscriminate dumping of refuse remained major contributors to flooding in many parts of Lagos, adding that volunteers participating in the exercise were engaged in clearing debris from drainage channels and medians.

On the recurring issue of flooding, Akinsete attributed the situation partly to the impact of climate change and called on federal and state environmental agencies to strengthen collaboration in maintaining infrastructure and protecting wetlands.

She stressed that preserving wetlands remained critical because they serve as natural buffers against flooding, especially as urban development expands across coastal communities.

“Even with the construction of major infrastructure, wetlands should be protected because they are part of the natural systems that help manage flood risks,” she said.

The environment chairperson also disclosed that the association had incorporated tree planting, horticulture and beautification into its environmental agenda, adding that LERSA partnered with the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) in 2025 to plant trees across several estates within its jurisdiction.

“We believe that preserving trees is essential to preserving humanity. As trees are removed in some places, we must continue to regenerate and plant more,” she added.

Also speaking, LERSA Chief Image Maker and Chairman of the Communications Committee, Abayomi Benson, described environmental sanitation as a collective responsibility that should not be left to government alone.

He said the association, which covers more than 100 estates from 1004 to Epe, was committed to encouraging residents to embrace cleanliness as a continuous civic duty rather than a monthly exercise.

Chairman of the association’s Stakeholders Engagement Committee, Mrs. Ibiye Ekong, said the clean-up was also aimed at demonstrating appreciation for the Lagos Coastal Road project by ensuring the infrastructure remains clean, safe and properly maintained.

She added that LERSA would continue to engage government agencies and relevant stakeholders to promote a cleaner and more sustainable environment across the Lekki Peninsula.