Lagos Government Takes Action, Begins Demolition Of Buildings Encroaching On Drainage Right-Of-Way

Lagos Government Takes Action, Begins Demolition Of Buildings Encroaching On Drainage Right-Of-Way....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

On Monday, April 15, the Lagos State Government, operating through the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, commenced the removal of structures encroaching upon the System 1 drainage channel midstream, specifically at Odo Iya Alaro in Ojota and Ogudu areas.

This action followed the expiration of multiple contravention notices previously served to property owners in the affected areas.

The operation, conducted by operatives of the Drainage Enforcement and Compliance (DEC) team, received security support from the Task Force on Special Offences and other relevant agencies.

Prior to this demolition exercise, the Ministry had engaged in consultative meetings with stakeholders, including members of the legislative assembly. One such meeting occurred on December 21, 2023. During these engagements, property owners were unable to provide evidence of valid titles for the structures erected on the drainage right-of-way.

Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab, representing the Ministry, along with Honorable Sanni Okanlawon, a member of the House of Assembly representing Kosofe 1, reiterated the government’s stance during these sessions. They emphasized that structures without valid titles would need to be removed.

It was noted that despite the issuance of contravention notices, some property owners persisted in construction activities, displaying a disregard for the law. The Commissioner advised voluntary removal of these structures before enforcement actions were taken by government officials.

The primary objective of this enforcement exercise is to mitigate the perennial issue of flooding, which has caused property damage and, tragically, loss of life in certain instances.

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