Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, announced this on Sunday during an extensive inspection tour of various contravention sites and ongoing drainage enforcement projects in Ago Palace Way, Isolo, Sangotedo, Lekki, and Ikoyi areas of the state.
Wahab streseed that Governor Bababjide Sanwo-Olu-led administration in the state was determined to restore sanity and would not fold it’s arms in stopping various environmental infractions.
“The era of environmental indiscipline and nuisance are over in Lagos. We will not shy away from enforcing all relevant laws irrespective of whose ox is gored.”
Wahab reiterated the present administration resolve in the quest to make Lagos metropolis flood free.
He stressed that government would continue to enforce the law while reclaiming drainage setbacks.
Wahab said the team was out for the normal routine to ascertain the state of some drainage channels with a hind sight that most flooding issues are majorly caused by negative human activity.
The commissioner, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary Office of Environmental Services, Mr. Gaji Omobolaji and the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services Engr Mahamood Adegbite, started the inspection from Aladelola Street, in Ikosi-Ketu where some individuals had vandalised the supporting iron under the Culvert, thereby leading to the collapse of the channel.
He added that the state public works office will soon cordoned- off the road inorder to carry out proper and seamless repairs of the damaged drainage culvert.
The team also visited: Victory Estate collector, Ago Palace Way, where some unscrupulous individuals blocked water path and canals and engaged in illegal sand filling and selling.
Commissioner mentioned that an enforcement team had earlier been sent saying that the visit was to check enforcement and compliance level.
According to Wahab, “We are here as a result of a written petition by residents complaining about several distortions; there had been a lot of distortions on these canals and roads by some individuals which has been causing flooding in the area.”
At Sangotedo by Lagos Business School (LBS) the Commissioner noted that there is a natural stream that supposed to discharge into System 63 and from there to Omu creek which has been blocked and reduced by illegal structures built along the channel.
“A 48 hours contravention notice have been served to owners of buildings lying within the channels and a 14 days abatement and when that elapses the law will take its course,” Wahab warned.
While explaining the process of serving contravention notices, Wahab said property owners whose buildings and fences fall within drainage channels will first be served a 48 hours notice followed by another 14 days notice before the commencement of enforcement, saying “We will commence full enforcement after the expiration of all notices with an the option of voluntary compliance.”