In a bid to sanitize Lagos State from environmental hazard with a proactive steps for free flow of water in all the water ways across the state, the state Government reiterated that there is no going back on the enforcement of the law and restoration of all Right Of Ways of all drainage channels across the state.
This was made known by the state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab during an on the spots assessment to Isheri/ Aiyetoro / Ologe Primary Channel at Anuoluwapo / Oke – Odan Street Ishashi, Ojo Town; Alaba Rago Primary Channel (System 40B); Alaba International Market Primary channel (System 40) and Ojo Area of Lagos State.
The Commissioner made it known that the State government is determined to restore the environment from all sorts of infractions that has altered the landscape.
He noted that the Governor has awarded contract for the restoration of some critical projects on the axis around Isashi Oke Odan where the state witnessed people who deliberately built on the channel and they have been served notices while enforcement will commence immediately.
He however notified the public that Lagos State government has served contraventions notices to all concerned property owners which has elapsed and as such enforcement of separation of contravention will commence from Thursday, 5th September, 2024.
Tokunbo Wahab reaffirmed that the government will not back down on the enforcement and would ensure that 7metres drainage setback on all drainage channels are restored after consideration was made from the standard 15 metres drainage setback has pleaded for by the House of Assembly member representing the area, Hon Olusegun Ege who was also present on the tour.
The Commissioner therefore advise developers and home owners in other parts of the state to ensure that they do not encroach on public infrastructure such as drainage collector or channel, be it primary or secondary.
The commissioner was accompanied by the Special Adviser to Lagos state Governor on the Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, Permanent Secretary Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, Heads of agencies and some Directors of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.