As parts of efforts to make Lagos state a flood-free state, Lagos State Environmental Task Force has commenced demolition of illegal structures around canals in Somolu/Bariga area of the state.
Speaking to somolunews Online, the Head of Operations, Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Department of Drainage and Enforcement, Engr. Adedeji Adekoya described the operation as an essential one to clear the shanties and silts hindering the channels for proper maintenance of the canals.
He adds “Ordinarily, under no circumstances must anyone be allowed to build close to the canal. What the law says is that any structure must be 10 meters away from the canal and we must guide against encroachment”.
“As you can see, we need to move the silt away from the edge of the canal or else the silt will find its way back into the canal and that will be efforts in futility and thereafter cause flooding”.
“And don’t forget that when flooding starts, people will start complaining and it’s the same set of people that are dumping refuse and encroaching the canal that will be abusing the government”. he noted
Meanwhile, the occupants of the shanties have been given quit notice weeks ahead of operation in preparation ahead of the heavy raining season as announced by Nigeria Meteorological centre.
Engr. Adekoya however, advised the Somolu/Bariga local government to discourage the act of building close to canals to avert the danger of flooding that could cause untold hardship to the people and the community at large.
