Lagos govt removes street traders, demolishes shanties on Cele-Ilasa drain

Lagos govt removes street traders, demolishes shanties on Cele-Ilasa drain

By Dada Jackson

 

The Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) in conjunction with the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has embarked on a three-day clearance operation to remove street traders occupying the base of the Cele Bus Stop Flyover situated along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.

The team also carried out the demolition of illegally-erected shanties around System 6C Cele-Ilasa Drainage Channel on Friday.

Corps Marshal of the agency, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (rtd), spoke with journalists on exercise at the command headquarters, Bolade-Oshodi.

He said, “I recall being with the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, on Wednesday during an assessment tour of the System 6C Drainage Channel and we made it clear that traders occupying the base of the Cele Bus Stop Flyover must vacate immediately.

“We extended our operations to the banks of the channel to remove illegal structures in the same vein, which has become a hideout for criminals to perpetuate illegalities which we would not tolerate. Hence, the reason for commencing the three-day clearance operation.”

Cole decried the alarming level of filth, sheer disregard for public health observed during the clearance operation which lasted for hours.

He affirmed the resolve of the team to consolidate on the success of Friday’s operation and continue until Sunday. This, he stressed, would make it easier for LAWMA to load the debris to the dumpsites.

He also appreciated the collaborative efforts of the LAWMA for the three-day exercise, citing the agency’s strategic mode of debris clearance as effective and proactive.

Cole also read the riot act to street traders and hawkers involved in the act of displaying wares for sale in traffic, on road setbacks, verges, medians, gutter slabs.

He warned against open defecation and urination, declaring that defaulters would be apprehended and made to face the law.

The retired Major stressed the need for Lagosians to make appropriate use of pedestrian bridges instead of crossing highways to avoid being hit by speeding motorists.