- The Lagos State Government will remove stalls and shanties around Apongbon Bridge and drainage channels to ensure proper stormwater flow and safety
- The removal follows a 48-hour quit notice served to affected traders to comply with statutory regulations and avoid obstructions in public spaces
- The removal is part of efforts to enhance drainage functionality and prevent flooding risks while maintaining public infrastructure integrity
The Lagos State Government is set to begin the removal of stalls and shanties under the Apongbon Bridge and along the Savage/Elegbata/Bombata drainage channel on Lagos Island starting Tuesday, January 28, following the expiration of a 48-hour quit notice issued last week to affected traders.
Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, shared this development with newsmen at Ebute-Ero on Sunday.
He explained that the removals were necessary to ensure the free flow of stormwater and the proper functioning of the drainage systems, which are vital for the community’s health and safety.
Wahab stated that the government had already served abatement notices to the traders last Thursday to ensure statutory compliance. Following these notices, enforcement activities will commence on Tuesday, January 28 with the removal of any structures obstructing public infrastructure, particularly within the drainage channels.
He clarified that buildings not located along drainage alignments would not be affected by the operation.
The Commissioner also expressed concern over the persistent disobedience to laws by some stall owners and traders, particularly those who might plan to return to the cleared areas.
Wahab assured that such individuals would not be allowed to rebuild in these locations.
Additionally, he condemned the actions of contractors who dispose of building materials on constructed drains, which disrupts the smooth flow of stormwater and exacerbates flooding risks in the area.
CCTV, transport police, 5 other ways Lagos plans to transform its transport sector
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Lagos State government recently released its transport policy.
This comprehensive plan showed the policy's phases: within two years, two to five years, five to 10 years, and up to 15 years.
The transport policies Lagos wants to implement in 2 years include CCTV cameras at key transportation points, Lagos transport police, Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), expansion of 'cowry' ticketing to all public transportation modes, and others.
