November 12, 2024
By Samuel Ogunsona
Lagos State Government has embarked on a mission to remove illegal shanties and dislodge squatters across some bridges in the state.
The latest exercise, which took place on Monday, targeted the Elegbata bridge by Apongbon, with the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) successfully removing 54 illegal shanties and eight makeshift toilets under the Eko Bridge, displacing 84 occupants.
According to Ajayi Lukman, head of Public Affairs and Advocacy Unit, LAGESC, the initiative aims to consolidate existing efforts to minimize pollution and promote a cleaner environment.
“In consolidation of existing efforts aimed at reducing the spate of environmental nuisances to the barest minimum in the metropolis, the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps popularly known as KAI effected the removal of 54 illegal shanties which harboured 84 illegal occupants and eight makeshift toilets beneath Eko Bridge at the Ebute-Ero area of the state on Monday,” he stated.
The Corps Marshal, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (retd.), led the dislodgement operation, citing the Elegbeta Water Channel’s transformation into a hub for miscreants and illegal activities.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the operation on his X handle, emphasizing the Government’s commitment to maintaining a cleaner and greener environment.
“Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps @LAGESCOfficial dislodged illegal squatters under Elegbata bridge by Apongbon”, he disclosed.
The LAGESC has warned environmental offenders against illegal dumping, unauthorized structures, and failure to obtain waste collection contracts, stressing that the law will take firm action against violators.
This operation is part of the Lagos State Government’s agenda to prioritize environmental sustainability and cleanliness.
