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Lagos commences the demolition of structures situated on drainage alignments in Apapa on Monday
The Lagos State Government has announced the commencement of property demolitions along drainage alignments in the Apapa region starting from Monday. The government clarified that the enforcement actions in Apapa aim to restore the three-meter drainage right-of-way for all drainage channels.
Following an inspection tour to assess the level of adherence, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, informed reporters that the enforcement operations were initiated subsequent to the expiration of notices. This action followed engagements with stakeholders, including property owners, to urge the voluntary relocation of fences encroaching on the drainage setback earlier in the year.
He said the Ministry had served contravention notices to the buildings on the drainage setbacks, adding that for several years, the ministry had not been able to access the eight major collectors for maintenance purpose due to encroachment which is a major contributor to flooding issues being experienced in the Apapa.
He said the state Government was determined to finding a lasting solution to the flooding issues in Apapa while directing enforcement officers to ensure that all contravening properties were removed from the drainage right of way in accordance with the three metres required by law, assuring that the State would not cherry-pick properties during the enforcement process.
“We want to check the state of collectors in Apapa in order to evacuate and treat the collectors; the whole of the collectors in this area are blocked and the right of way taken over by individuals who moved their fences in order to acquire extra land, thereby denying us access to the drains,” he said.
The Commissioner also inspected Rock Drive in Lekki Phase I following a major complaint that some individuals engaged in conversion of a purely residential area into a diesel depot directing immediate enforcement, saying that the illegal depot posed the risk of a major fire outbreak in the area.
He directed the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) to seal up the property while the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) officials demolish and arrest individuals found at the illegal shanties built around the depot and thereafter tow away the diesel trucks and vehicles stationed at the illegal depot.
He also visited Aunty Ayo Collector drain in Ikoyi where he expressed satisfaction with the ongoing cleaning of the drainage channels, sounding a note of warning to residents who usually engage in the unwholesome acts of indiscriminate refuse dumping to desist from such act even as rainy season is here.
“Let us complement government’s effort in ensuring that Lagos is a flood-free state by being decent in our waste disposal behaviour,” he said.
Wahab hinted that following the expiration of relocation notices issued to all squatters occupying illegal shanties around the Lagos coastal road in Mayegun, Lekki area of Lagos, enforcement would commence fully next week.
The Special Adviser on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, emphasized the government’s commitment to address the flooding challenge throughout the state by implementing year-round drainage cleaning activities as a practical solution to control flooding.
He further emphasized the importance of residents regularly cleaning the tertiary drainage systems running alongside properties, while highlighting the Ministry’s ongoing efforts in desilting and enhancing various connections to secondary and primary channels for improved discharge efficiency.
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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