Lagos govt to begins demolition of illegal structures in Ibeju-Lekki, others

The Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi, who disclosed this explained that all illegal structures and shanties built on the Idera Land Scheme would be demolished on after the expiration of the seven-day ‘Removal Order’ previously served by the Agency to the squatters.

Egbeyemi pointed out that Government has frown at the massive encroachment by individuals, private estate developers and land speculators who also defraud innocent members of public through the illegal sale of land within government acquisition along the Ibeju-Lekki corridor.

The Chairman advised Lagosians, who are interested in purchasing land in the State, to first verify the true status of the particular property at the State’s Land Registry or Surveyor-General’s Office where documents are stored in the Electronic Data Management System (EDMS).

He warned that all illegal structures and buildings constructed on State land by persons, companies or institutions without valid titles from the government would soon be removed by the Agency across the State.

The Chairman further warned miscreants, mechanics, food vendors and owners/occupiers of illegal shanties within Apapa Tin-Can Island Park to vacate the land within seven days as the entire area is set to be redeveloped and given a new look to transform the State into a functional and efficient model Mega-City.

He affirmed that a situation where illegal squatters go into Government Acquired Land to erect illegal structures and shanties would no longer be tolerated by the state government.

In a related development, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tunji Bello has said that the state has put in place preventive measures to minimise the effects of incidence of flash flooding in the state.

Bello disclosed this during a recent press conference to enlighten residents in Lagos and prepare them on the imminent pattern of rainfall which the state would experience in the months of September and October.

Bello called on residents who live in areas that were prone to flood to temporality move to safer areas ahead of the release of the Oyan Dam waters to avoid loss of lives.

The commissioner said, “I want to use this medium to once again restate our resolve and readiness to step up our multifarious efforts to ensure that the heavy rainfalls which are expected to resume in September and cause flash flood will have minimal effect on the residents of the state.

“Part of the new measures we are putting in place, in addition to existing efforts, is the provision of pumping stations in some low lying areas with risks of high intensity rains.

“The pumping stations will ensure quick pumping of water from flooded neighbourhoods such as Isheri North and its environs, Owode areas, Agboyi Ketu and its environs and reduce risk of damages to properties.”

He appealed to residents in the concerned areas to temporarily relocate, adding that the management of Ogun Osun River Basin Authority which manages the Oyan Dam had signalled its readiness to commence staggered release of water to ensure the stability of its dam.

Bello explained that the efforts of the state government in ensuring the massive dredging and cleaning of all canals and channels had continued unabated.

He also applauded some residents who played their parts by refraining from dumping refuse in canals, channels and waterways.

The commissioner recounted that the Nigeria Meteorological Services NIMET forecast early this year predicted that Lagos State would experience a rainy season of 240 to 270 days, while the maximum annual rainfall was predicted to be 1,750mm.

He noted that despite prevalence of rainfalls in June and July, no major disaster or flooding which could have brought about loss of properties and lives had been experienced.