….as state awards contract for system 44 -Lekki 2 to Ikota channel concrete lining
Lagos State Government has explained that the recent removal of shanties on the coastal road, along Mayegun and Jakande area of Lekki, was not to hurt its citizens, but done for over-riding public interest.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, made this affirmation on Sunday, when he led state officials on the continuation of inspection tour to some parts of 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, said the state government has zero tolerance for environmental abuse especially drainage blockage, saying people should desist from building on drainages and residents should avoid dumping refuse in same as such act is 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 stressed that the ultimate goal of clearing and dredging of the drainage channels and canals is to allow easy passage of rainstorm water during the rainy season.