LASG To Start Removal Of Illegal Stalls, Shanties On Lagos Island Drainage Tuesday

On Tuesday, the Lagos State government will begin full enforcement of the Savage/Elegbata/Bombata drainage channel’s setback and the removal of stalls/shanties under the Apongbon Bridge. &nbsp,

This action came after the last-week 48-hour quit notice was sent to the traders.

Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, said this while speaking with journalists at the Ebute Ero following a visit to the Savage/Elegbata Bombata Drainage channel in the Lagos Island’s Olowogbowo/Apongbon axis.

In the best interests of all residents, he claimed, the government would shut down all barriers to drainage.

Wahab further explained that the officials from Lagos State held a second tour to check the extent to which traders trading in drainage channels are complying with the quit notice.

The commissioner pointed out that the setback of these two crucial drainage collectors, the Bombata/Olusi and the Alagbafo collector, have been converted into shops/stalls, causing the collectors’ total blockage during an inspection tour last week.

Accompanied by the Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, Director Drainage Enforcement and Compliance, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Sunday Awe, GM LASWAMO, Engr. Femi Afolabi… pic. twitter.com/3AfjwL09Lg

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He claims that the enforcement activities will include removing any extensions that would otherwise hinder public transportation within drainage channels, and he also stressed that any structures that were not constructed on drainage alignments would not be affected.

He noted that the majority of people are resolute, but he did warn stall owners and traders who may be considering returning to the setbacks.

Wahab claimed that the space would be immediately taken over by the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) for recreation and beautification.

Additionally, the commissioner criticized contractors who regularly dump building materials into the constructed drains, causing a disruption to the flow of stormwater.

He claimed he had instructed that all buildings that were under construction and where waste was dumped on the Oke-Arin, Abibu-Oki, and surrounding Ebute Ero market be sealed while the waste must be disposed of before being reopened.

According to him, the Ministry would use enforcement and deal with offenders in accordance with state environmental laws, as well as the advocacy approach.

The Commissioner remarked that the government relies on the people to act as whistleblowers if it is unable to find all infractions at once.

Source: Channels TV