The Lagos State Government has announced its plan to remove over 100 shanties housing several people at Adeniji Adele Underbridge from today.
During an interview with newsmen on Sunday, the State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab disclosed this.
He said the removal comes after the expiration of a 48-hour removal notice served on all occupants of the shanties to move out their belongings.
He added that operatives of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI/LAGESC), and officials from the Ministry’s Monitoring Enforcement and Compliance (MEC) department, will be given security backup to conduct the operation.
Wahab emphasised that the exercise is part of the commitment of Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu administration, to reclaim all ungoverned spaces that dot the Lagos landscape.
He stressed that unsightly shanties which are located in the heart of Lagos island, represent a distorted image of what a smart city like Lagos should be.
Wahab also said apart from the unsanitary conditions of residents in the shanties, they also serve as hiding places for criminals, and points for peddling hard drugs and substances which is injurious to the well-being of law-abiding residents.
He advised all the occupants of the shanties in their own interest, to voluntarily move out with their belongings before the commencement of the enforcement operations on Monday.
It would be recalled that similar enforcement operations to reclaim uncovered spaces have already taken place at Ijora, Apongbon, Obalende, and Dolphin.
