By Our Reporter
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources in Lagos, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab has said that the recent demolitions of shanties and buildings that are obstructing free flow of drainages in Lekki axis of the state was in fulfillment of the government’s promise to sustain a flood free Lagos.
Last week, tens of houses in Hopeville Estate in Lekki area of the state were demolished while a tash force from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) descended upon the estate with two buldozers and other heavy machinery for a demolition exercise were deployed.
LASBCA maintained the prior notices of the demolition wereserved on the residents in the estate. However, the residents claimed that the span of the notices was insufficient.
They also pointed out that there was a pending court case served on the government. Consequently, the residents claimed they were caught unprepared.
The Commissioner made the clarification on why the state government pulled down houses that were obstructing free flow of drainages at weekend, when he led state officials on the continuation tour to some parts of the state towards creating a flood free environment as the rain season approaches.
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He was accompanied by the Special Adviser, Environment, Mr. Kunle Rotimi-Akodu, Permanent Secretaries, Environment Services, Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen, Managing Director LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegeshin, General Manager, LASEPA, Dr. WTunde Ajayi and others.
The Commissioner and his entourage also visited Ilabere Drainage Channel, off McPherson Road, Ikoyi, where he directed immediate cleaning of the channels and serving of abatement notices to contractors who are fond of leaving their construction materials on the road only to disrupt free flow of traffic in the area.
While addressing news men after the tour, the Commissioner expressed satisfaction with the recent removal of the shanties on the Coastal Road, along Mayegun and Jakande area of Lekki, adding that the state government was not out to hurt its citizen saying, ”What was done in Mayegun and Jakande was done for public interest.
Wahab, added that as part of efforts to actualize its promise to sustain a flood free Lagos, the state government has intensified dredging and cleaning a major drainage channels across the state.
He warned all the people who have erected structures on set backs and alignments of the channels to remove them or have them removed.
He advised residents across the state to desist from the illegal act and have change of heart towards the environment.
”I will like to appeal to all residents to take ownership of public infrastructure provided by the government in their communities, ensure the canals and drains are protected from refuse dumping and do away with encroaching on canals and drainage right way,” he said.
