The Lagos State Government has announced the start of the removal of illegal stalls and shanties blocking drainage channels and setbacks on Lagos Island, beginning Tuesday. The operation will focus on areas including the Savage, Elegbata, and Bombata drainage channels, as well as the spaces beneath the Apongbon Bridge.
This action comes after traders and stall owners were given a 48-hour notice to depart last week. The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, claims that these developments severely obstruct important drainage collectors like Bombata/Olusi and Alagbafo, which causes the area to flood frequently.
During an inspection of the affected areas, Wahab explains that enforcement will focus on structures directly obstructing public infrastructure while unaffected areas remain untouched. Cleared spaces will be handed over to LASPARK for beautification to prevent re-encroachment.
He also criticizes contractors and traders for dumping construction materials and waste into drainage channels, exacerbating flooding and damaging infrastructure. Construction sites in locations such as Oke-Arin, Abibu-Oki, and Ebute-Ero Market face temporary closure until compliance is ensured.
The government encourages residents to report environmental violations and promises strict enforcement against defaulters. Officials who joined the inspection include the Special Adviser on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, and the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite.
The objectives of this operation are to lessen floods, restore appropriate drainage flow, and encourage a sustainable environment for the people of Lagos Island.
