The Lagos State Government has issued a 14-day removal notice to owners of buildings and structures built on drainage channels at Sangotedo area of Lekki, Okota, and Isolo.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab following an inspection tour to various contravention sites and ongoing drainage enforcement projects in Ago Palace Way, Isolo, Sangotedo, Lekki and Ikoyi areas of the state.
Wahab said property owners whose buildings and fences fall within drainage channels will be served a 48 hours notice and will be followed by another 14 days notice before the commencement of enforcement.
He added that the government would commence full enforcement after the expiration of all notices, with the option of voluntary compliance to restoring sanity in the state.
According to him, “The era of environmental indiscipline and nuisance are over in Lagos. We will not shy away from enforcing all relevant laws irrespective of whose ox is gored.
“Lagos despite its peculiarities as a coastal state with low-lying terrains and a high population density among others has remained afloat because of various measures put in place by the government.”
Wahab, who said the ministry has strengthened its Drainage Enforcement activities, said, “I tell people climate change is real and there is a cholera outbreak, We must know that all these things are interwoven. We must all be responsible and responsive as a people, people cannot continue to brazenly abuse the environment and expect that there will be no consequences.
During the team’s visit to Sangotedo by Lagos Business School (LBS), the Commissioner said a natural stream that is supposed to discharge into System 63 and from there to Omu Creek has been blocked and reduced by illegal structures built along the channel and that, “A 48 hours contravention notice have been served to owners of buildings lying within the channels and 14 days abatement and when that elapses the law will take its course.
“We will commence full enforcement after the expiration of all notices, with an option of voluntary compliance.”
While at Ajiran Primary Channel, Chevron Drive, old Ikoyi, the commissioner explained that the government is fixing a major infrastructure around Ilabere and if the collector is not properly handled, the infrastructure will be destroyed.
“Lagos, despite its peculiarities as a coastal state with low-lying terrains and a high population density among others, has remained afloat because of various measures put in place by the past and present governments”, he said.
Alleluia is the Assistant Editor and Content Writer at LagosPost.ng. She is a prolific writer and editor, she has written features and news stories on Lifestyle, Sports, Business, Politics and B2B marketing. She is also an event coordinator, host and social media content creator.
