The Lagos State government has announced plans to commence the enforcement of the removal of stalls and shanties under Apongbon Bridge and on the setback of the Savage/Elegbata/Bombata drainage channel on Lagos Island, starting Tuesday.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This decision follows the expiration of a 48-hour quit notice issued to stall owners and traders last week. According to the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the government’s move is aimed at restoring the drainage channel to its original state.
Speaking to journalists after an inspection tour of the Savage/Elegbata/Bombata drainage channel around the Olowogbowo/Apongbon axis on Lagos Island, Wahab explained that the government would remove all shanties impeding the drainage channel. He noted that the shanties had been converted into shops and stalls, causing total blockage of the channel.
“The government will remove any extension that impedes public infrastructure within the drainage channels,” Wahab said. “However, any building not erected on drainage alignments will not be touched.”
The commissioner also expressed concern over the habit of contractors dumping building materials on constructed drains, disrupting the free flow of stormwater. He instructed that buildings under construction and dumping materials on the road at Oke-Arin, Abibu-Oki, and around Ebute Ero market be sealed, with materials carted away before reopening.
Wahab emphasized that the government would adopt a “carrot and stick” approach, appealing to people to align with their reasoning while also enforcing environmental laws. He urged the public to serve as whistleblowers, reporting any infractions to ensure prompt action.
The Lagos State government’s move is part of its efforts to restore order and maintain environmental sustainability in the state. The government has previously removed illegal shops on roads and streets within the Lagos Island Business District.
The enforcement exercise, scheduled to commence on Tuesday, is expected to be carried out by a team of officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, in collaboration with other relevant agencies.