On Thursday, the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources ordered the sealing of an ongoing construction project for improperly storing materials on a drainage system. Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab issued the directive during an inspection of various sites on Lagos Island, expressing concern that the materials were obstructing drainage flow. The affected building is located at No. 109, Alakoro Street in Lagos Island.
The Lagos State Environment Commissioner, Tokunbo Wahab, ordered the sealing of a construction project due to materials being stored on the road and drainage system. He stated that the materials block the drainage system and must be removed before the area can be unsealed. The visit was part of a broader initiative to regenerate the area, with a focus on improving the drainage system and road infrastructure.
The state government has already awarded a contract to regenerate the drainage system, but some critical areas were not included in the initial plan. During a recent inspection, Lagos State Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab expressed dissatisfaction with the state of the Olusi Bombata and Alagbafo collectors, noting that illegal constructions had been erected on them. He emphasized that such buildings hinder maintenance of these essential infrastructures and reflect a disregard for public resources.
Wahab instructed the relevant department to issue notices to those violating the regulations and announced plans to return by the weekend to check for compliance, stating that the government is committed to ensuring that the state remains livable for its residents.
Wahab emphasized that the public infrastructure is meant for community use, and he assured that illegal constructions will be removed. He stated that efforts would be made to maintain the infrastructure and potentially award new contracts for further improvements. When asked about cooperation with local governments regarding environmental cleanup, he confirmed that they have been supportive and collaborative, despite some minor gaps that need addressing. He clarified that local governments cannot violate state environmental laws regarding setbacks between collectors and buildings.
Wahab highlighted the importance of continuous advocacy and enforcement of these laws to ensure a clean environment, recognizing a common perception that the government only intervenes after illegal structures are built. Wahab stated that the government is committed to enforcing environmental laws, despite some individuals being resistant to change. He acknowledged that the process may be slow, but emphasized that the government will continue to advocate for compliance. Wahab highlighted that the government is taking a more proactive approach, focusing on education and awareness rather than solely relying on enforcement.
He noted that this approach has been successful in areas such as reducing styrofoam and single-use plastics, which will be phased out this year. The goal is to involve citizens in the effort to protect the environment and make them part of the solution, ultimately taking collective ownership to achieve a cleaner and healthier state.
NAN reported that the visited areas in Lagos Island included Salvage Lane, Elagbata, Ebute Ero, Alakoro, and Oke Arin, among others.