The Lagos State Government has identified at least 39 structures situated within two upscale neighborhoods for teardown due to Right of Way requirements along the Ikota Riverbank in the Eti-OsaLocalGovernmentArea. The Ikota area falls under theMarokoOkunAlfaward,intheLekkisectorofthecity.
This follows the issuance of indefinite eviction notices by the state government to those impacted, allowing them time to relocate their belongings and families prior to the start of the demolition process.
The structures impacted, situated within the Oral Extension Estate and Westend, Mega Mond Estate in Eti-Osa LGA, consist of: twenty buildings scheduled for complete demolition, eight designated for partial dismantling, with thirteen more set for removal at Westend Estate.
On Thursday, members of the enforcement team from the Ministry of The Environment and Water Resources were spotted inspecting the boundaries of several designated structures within the residential areas.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, headed the inspection team to the location.
Wahab, while addressing members of the media, explained that government swooped into action following series of petitions on encroachment of the Ikota River.
As per Wahab: “There were multiple grievances reported. Over time, we discovered through our work with the ministry that even as we strive to reach a mutually beneficial resolution aimed at reducing adverse environmental effects without causing significant hardship to the populace.”
Additionally, efforts were underway to further extend the Right-of-Way and adjust the alignment along the Ikota River.
The digital assessment of the circumstances showed us an unfavorable scenario, prompting our visit today. However, what we encountered on site is far from satisfactory. It’s quite unappetizing.
We’ve told them to permit moving their belongings. Families with children who are students should come forward. Meanwhile, as this process continues, we discussed expanding the space by pushing the boundaries back, and I’m pleased you noticed the conditions on the ground at Oral.
We visited Oral Estate previously, and you can’t compare our experience from last year with what we encountered at Grant today.
This indicates that even as they collaborate with the government to develop female-centric solutions aimed at revamping certain main channels and auxiliary conduits, they have simultaneously moved the right-of-way for the Ikota River farther back, which benefits nobody.
We brought the machines into play and had them communicate with all the walls, pushing them back against further intrusion. From there, we took an opposing stance.
We also observed what was occurring over there along the path on the opposite side. Afterward, we arrived at the Mega Mond Estate.
What they are accomplishing with this reclaiming effort must be monitored closely; similarly, we need to ensure regulatory oversight. Before initiating any reclamation project, it’s essential to secure both your drainage permit and an environmental impact assessment report. These documents confirm whether the proposed expansion or land reclamation has received necessary approvals and guarantee that the resulting drainage system aligns properly for effective discharge without harming the local ecosystem.
We have requested them to cease their actions. Furthermore, not only did they halt, but they also crossed over into restricted areas.
We have requested them to remove it and redistribute the sand before providing us with all necessary documentation, ceasing operations here. We expect to receive these papers and hope they will cooperate. If not, we will resort to using our leverage.
Regarding the number of impacted structures, Wahab stated, “In the initial section, we have approximately 18 buildings. Following the canal, there are around 13 or so, but these are not entirely occupied.”
The structures located behind the primary buildings are there. This applies to both Oral and Westerend, approximately eight of them.
What we have on the ground is clear. However, our aim is also to engage with them effectively since they are now selling off assets, transferring ownership, and granting titles to unsuspecting purchasers who hold significant value.
That’s why I argue for letting those who are innocent keep their children in school without disrupting their lives, as they should not be affected just to enforce something.
They acknowledge that there is an issue, everyone agrees, but they’re asking for some time. Allow them to now figure out how to regain their composure.
I have personal acquaintance with a couple of them, and I will continue to inform them that this approach won’t succeed. However, you shouldn’t allow individuals to suffer either. These tenants, as you witnessed, are entirely innocent.
It touched many of us emotionally. Seeing individuals express concerns like not knowing where to go with their daughters after school or where to meet their sons upon their return really resonated.
However, this should not cloud our judgment and sense of equity. Therefore, we aim for a win-win scenario. We will return to assess how much progress has been made.
Therefore, the notifications aren’t time-bound; however, they simply need to figure out how to relocate their belongings, after which we will achieve equilibrium.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Syndigate.isu
).