There are outcries from some residents of Lagos, especially those in the Mende-Ogudu axis, over the state’s decision to demolish structures on the right of way of the System I drainage channel midstream.
One of those who have spoken out against the move which has attracted much backlash is the sensational Nigerian female musician, Yemi Alade.
In a post retweeted on Saturday, May 6, by Lagospedia, Alade criticised the government for the demotion which she believes has destroyed businesses and homes, making people homeless and plunging others into sudden poverty.
However, the commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has revealed bottlenecks encountered by the government in addressing the issue of flooding, with particular respect to the Mende Villa Estate demolition.
Wahab, during a recent interview with journalists, explained that the ministry issued two demolition notices to residents of the estate before it was carried out.
He refuted claims that the affected residents were only given two-hour notice before the demolition of houses built on drainage channels, adding that the move was to ensure better flow of water channels and prevent flooding in the state.
His words: “If there were no notices, how come the Developer has been engaging us with documents and correspondences for the past one month?”
The commissioner pointed out some issues surrounding the problem of flooding in places like Ogudu, Ojota, Ifako, Gbagada and Maryland.
- Wahab claimed that people have gone back to encroach on the right of way and alignments. He added that since 2021, the government has been engaging the homeowners and residents and the government has been notifying them of impending enforcement.
- The commissioner explained that property owners whose buildings fall within the approved 140 metres Right of Way of the channel had been given the option of voluntary compliance for almost three years.
- He added that the government also discovered that while contravention notices had been served and dialogue on a way forward was being explored, some of the property owners continued with the construction of new buildings that surfaced in the areas.
- He explained that the property owners/residents affected were advised for about three years to voluntarily remove the contravening structures before the state government officials commenced the enforcement but were foot-dragging.
- According to him, the conversation ended officially in November last year when they were asked to come forward with their documents and approvals and we found out that most of them do not have any.
- He stressed that it has been observed that all the structures on the System I Right of Way have no valid documents from the government as such all the structures will have to be removed.
- Wahab noted that the original dimension was 140 metres before the alignment but the State government is willing to put a human face to the enforcement process.