Lagos State issues quit notice to owner of houses erected on drainage channels

The Lagos State government has ordered residents of properties erected on drainage channels impeding the free-flow of water to immediately vacate or risk being removed.

A statement signed by the Commissioner for Environment, Babatunde Adejare, expressed dismay that the lawless activities of some people was constantly putting the lives and property of residents at risk.

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Adejare said some of the areas where properties were erected on drainage channels to include Illubirin, Dolphin Estate, Osborne Foreshore Estate, Ikoyi, Osapa London, Ikota, Ogombo, Lekki, among others.

He noted that the massive investment of public fund into drainage clearing and de-silting had been compromised by structures hindering the free-flow of water.

The Commissioner said the State Government was seriously concerned that man-made causes, particularly impediment of free-flow of storm water through indiscriminate erection of buildings on drainages and water courses, have played a major role in the recent experience of flooding in the State.

‘Therefore, it is now of paramount importance that owners of buildings or structures impeding the free-flow of storm water, wherever they exist in the State, are advised to voluntarily quit forthwith in the overriding public interest or risk being removed by the State Government as no responsible government will allow the interest of a few to jeopardise the wellness and wellbeing of the generality of its people.

‘In view of the grievous consequences of compromising drainage right of way and alignment, Lagosians are hereby warned to henceforth refrain from this illegal act, report perpetrators and cooperate with the Lagos State Government in its bid to achieve a flood-free, clean and livable State,’ Adejare said.