Lagosians react to ban on clothes spreading

Ojei Omogie, Idowu Omowunmi and Femi Okunnuwa
| credits: File copy

Lagosians speak to GBENGA ADENIJI, ARUKAINO UMUKORO, MOTUNRAYO JOEL and TOPE OMOGBOLAGUN on the move by the state government to seal off any house where the residents spread washed clothes in the open

It’s a violation of human rights

 I am not sure of the exact reasons why the Lagos State Government would take such step against the people. But I’m not surprised, judging by the pedigree and past radical deeds of the state government. Although the move could be a precautionary measure to make the environment look beautiful, but the state must consider that the people have rights which should not be trampled upon and not just issue out laws and expect everyone to succumb to them.

Some people make a living in dry cleaning business. With the directive, where will they dry these clothes after washing them? No matter how clean they want Lagos to be, banning the spreading of clothes outside is not the way to go about it.

The government must state in clear terms why people shouldn’t spread their clothes outside. They are just dishing out random decrees and making citizens suffer. I feel it’s not just democratic of the government.

– Ojei Omogie

It is a good decision

The idea of spreading clothes on balconies, fences, etc, is not good at all. Looking back at the compound I once lived, it makes the entire building look very untidy and gives the passers-by the impression that the compound is over-crowded and the occupants are uneducated.

Anyway, how does the government want to correct this error which has eaten deep considering the nature of buildings and the compounds?

–Ikpeamanam Uche

It’s a welcome development

I believe it is a good move by the government because when you go to some areas, you’ll be surprised and even embarrassed by the way they litter their clothes all over the place. It makes the environment look untidy, and this practice has been abused. It’s a welcome development,  at least it will make the environment look more decent and appealing. Residents will have to adjust to this new rule or face the penalty.

–Femi Okunnuwa

 It’s unfair

 I am not supporting this decision because I believe it is unfair on the citizens of Lagos State. The houses belong to them and they should be free to make use of the compounds. People are not expected to dry clothes inside their house.

–Idowu Omowunmi

Government has misplaced priorities

 I think this decision was taken to keep Lagos clean. But I don’t know whether to condemn the idea of spreading of clothes outside or encourage it. However, if residents can’t spread clothes within the space in their compound, where else are they expected to do that? Are they discouraging us from drying our clothes in the sun? Maybe I’m wrong but I guess there are better and more pressing issues the Lagos State Government can attend to, such as security, electricity and traffic problems. The state government should think of ways to make Lagos more habitable and peaceful for residents rather than making it more difficult. Yes, Lagos wants to be like London, but let’s put other things in place.

–Adeyinka Oni

Use of hangers better

I agree with this one and I do not think spreading clothes in the open should be encouraged in any way. People should be sensitised on the dangers involved in spreading clothes on fences, which could be an invitation to reptiles. A better way to spread clothes would be to use hangers on twine held by poles. Asides from the dangers posed, I also think that it is not a standard practice. It does not present a beautiful sight with clothes strewn on fences, bridge railings and all. It appears untidy. Clothes should just be simply hung on twines or use hangers. But I also think that, instead of this, why is the state government not tackling more pressing needs such as refuse dumps, incessant flooding and bad roads in the state?

– Oyinlola Sobowale

Plan is trivial

The present government in Lagos State has shown itself among other administrations in the country to be strong with laws and prudent with its stance on reforming the state. It is good that the administration glows with legal luminaries who know the law, but they fail to understand the laws of the common man, his plights, challenges and financial capability. They do not know the frustrations of the common man: that he can barely feed, send his children to school or find a decent place to lay his head after a stressful day with no earning. It is only when the poor have solved some of these challenges that the government can start talking about matters as trivial as seizing clothes on railings and public places. The average Lagosian has a choice to protest but he knows the law is not his friend.

–Adausu Emuobo

Lagos becoming mega city

 Those who live in fenced houses can spread their washed clothes within their compound without being disturbed by government agency in charge of the environment. But those whose houses are not fenced cannot do the same.

Spreading of clothes in the open does not beautify the environment because Lagos State is evolving into a mega city. I don’t support people spreading their clothes in the open.

–Odekoya Babatunde

 Residents should consider other options

 I think it is a cool decision because this would make the environment look neat. Those who live in houses without fences can erect clothes lines to spread their washed clothes inside their compound.

–Tomisin Oyelere

Directive, a waste of time

If Lagos State lawmakers don’t have anything do, they should go to sleep. This directive is a waste of time. People should be free to do as they please within the confines of their home. This law cannot work; it’s a waste of time

- Gabriel Adeyemi