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Demolitions in Lekki: Government’s aim is not to harm citizens, assures Commissioner
The Lagos State Government clarified that the recent clearing of makeshift structures along the coastal road in the Mayegun and Jakande area of Lekki was carried out not to cause harm to its residents but in the paramount public interest.
Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, reiterated this statement on Sunday while guiding state officials on an ongoing inspection tour of various areas within the state.
The commissioner was accompanied by the Special Adviser, Environment, Mr kunle Rotimi-Akodu; Permanent Secretaries , Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen; Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite; MD LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, GM LASPARK, Mrs Adetoun Popoola, General Manager, LASEPA, Dr. Tunde Ajayi; General Manager, LASWMO, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi and some Directors.
Wahab, added that as part of efforts to actualize its promise to sustain a flood free Lagos, government has intensified dredging /cleaning of major drainage channels and canals across the state.
He explained that the redesigning and reconstruction of system 44 drainage channel after the removal of structures on the setback would prevent flooding in the Lekki axis when the rains commence.
Wahab, 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 were in the habit of illegally placing their construction materials on the road thereby disrupting free flow of traffic.
Addressing journalists after the tour, he also expressed satisfaction with the recent removal of shanties on the coastal road, along Mayegun and Jakande area of Lekki, reminding residents that “no government is out to hurt its citizens,” adding that what was done in Mayegun /Jakande, “is being done for over-riding public interest.”
Wahab, also revealed that some individuals who were caught with arms during the enforcement activities, and those suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authorities pending when they will be charged to court and jailed if found guilty.
He warned all those who have erected structures on setbacks and alignments of the channels to remove them or have them removed, urging residents to desist from the illegal act and have a change of heart towards the environment.
Wahab advised pedestrians to always use the pedestrian bridges and avoid endangering their lives by crossing the high ways as they will face the wrath of law when caught.
Speaking on the system 44 drainage, a major channel that cut across Lekki Scheme II, Gedegede Community, Ikota GRA, Cluster 1/ Ivy Homes and Megamond Estates, he added that the dredging and lining of the canal will ameliorate the difficulties encountered in those areas during the rainy season and also save lives and properties.
According to him, “I will like to appeal to all residents to take ownership of public infrastructure provided by government in their communities, ensure they protect the canals and drains from refuse dumping and do away with encroaching on canals and drainage right of way.”
At a meeting with chiefs and Baales in the Lekki 2 area, the contractor that will work on the concrete lining was formerly introduced to them, seeking their cooperation with to ensure a timely completion.
Earlier, the team also inspected the ongoing enforcement action for the re-establishment of drainage setbacks in Pele Wura/ Ladylak Collector drain, Kofo Abayomi and Aerodrome Collector drain all in Apapa.
The team also visited System 157, Ochird Road, Lekki where properties that fall within the approved meters setback of the channels were issued abatement notices before commencement of enforcement action.
“We are cleaning up our infrastructure and making them more resilient and this will be done continuously all year round, manually and mechanically across the state,” he said.
Rotimi-Akodu mentioned that the state government maintains a strict stance against environmental degradation, particularly the obstruction of drainage systems. He urged individuals to refrain from constructing on drainage pathways and cautioned residents against depositing waste in these channels, emphasizing that such actions are deemed unacceptable.
“Lagosians must desist from dumping refuse in drainage channels, blocking of drainages with building materials and stop the acts of compromising drainage alignment, such as building and erection of structures on drainage setbacks among others”.
Akodu emphasized that the primary objective of clearing and dredging the drainage channels and canals is to facilitate the smooth flow of rainwater during the rainy season.
The Lagos State Government has said it would soon arrange a meeting with developers/owners of distressed buildings on how best to address the redesign and remodelling of such structures by November.
This was disclosed recently by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, at a function in Alahusa, Lagos.
Olumide said the prevalence of distressed buildings in different parts of the state was worrisome and needed the urgent attention of all stakeholders.
He said, “The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development as mandated by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019, as amended, was willing to extend its responsibility for approving the remodelling of existing buildings to provide technical assistance to developers and owners of distressed buildings, especially on the design and remodelling of such buildings.
The Federal Government has instructed the contractors responsible for the 107km Enugu-Onitsha road dualization to expedite the project.
This directive was given by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, during a meeting with MTN, the Enugu State Government, and the contractors, RCC Ltd and Nigercat Ltd, on Friday.
According to a statement released on Friday, the minister said he is disappointed over the slow pace of work on the project, he said, “Let me express my disappointment over the slow pace of work on that project. It is one of the worst roads in this country.
“Everywhere we have diversion; diverting from the one that RCC and Nigercat had completed, the contractors are not kind enough to even put stone based on the diversion points.”
He added, “So, by the reason of the launching of our Operation Free our Roads, it is now a violation of the policy on the side of the controllers and directors of the Federal Ministry of Works where we have vehicles falling on any project that is ongoing or where there are potholes on our roads.”
He also blamed the sufferings of road users on the lack of commitment and insensitivity of the contractors.
“The public must know that the President’s intention is not for them to suffer while trying to fix the roads, and it is their right to insist that contractors should fix the roads that they are engaged on,” he said.
The Minister commended the Enugu state government for their resolve to fund the construction of a 20 KM section of the road and expressed hope that MTN would execute the second phase of the project.
He noted, “Why the Enugu State government is intervening is because of the slow pace of work by the contractors and because of funding issues. The essence of tax credit is for funds to be made available. And so, I don’t see RCC going to keep their promise to finish this project in 6 months.
“My advice to MTN is to look for another contractor within that axis if they want to get the job done. Division of labour is even the best. While they are doing the road, and if Nigercat is doing a good job, you can give them greater scope to do if you want to finish that job.”
He warned contractors that the Federal Government would not accept phased handovers of projects and has phased out Variation of Price in contract administration.
The Ekiti State government has intervened to resolve a longstanding land dispute between the Elepe of Epe-Ekiti, Oba Ayodele Adesoye, and the Atolagbe family. The government cautioned against the misuse of modernization as an excuse to disregard traditional customs.
In line with the community’s traditions, the government has ordered the release of resources, including palm trees at Oko Oba Farmland, to Oba Adesoye for his administration. This decision ensures the continued adherence to age-old practices.
Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, announced the resolution in Ado-Ekiti. The decision was made after considering the Elepe’s claim to Oko Oba Farmland based on historical evidence.
Mrs. Afuye acknowledged the Elepe’s right to be the custodian of Oko Oba Farmland, citing longstanding traditions that support his claim. The decision reflects the importance of respecting historical practices and ensuring their preservation.
The deputy governor, however, told the monarch in clear terms that other princes and princesses from all the three ruling houses should be allowed to farm on the land without payment of royalty.
Mrs Afuye appealed to the community to comply with the government’s position to restore unity, peace and orderliness to the beleaguered community.
Oba Adesoye expressed gratitude for the government’s decision and pledged to foster peace and unity between the throne and the community, aiming to accelerate Epe’s development.
Representing the Atolagbe family, Dr. Yemi Agbeleoba acknowledged their willingness to cede Oko Oba Farmland to the monarch. However, he emphasized the need for all three ruling houses to participate for a lasting and traditional solution.
Agbeleoba expressed appreciation for the government’s directive, believing it will contribute to resolving the long-standing conflict.
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