By Akinwale Kasali
Following the expiration of the quit notice given to squatters at Ijora Under Bridge and its environs, and in a decisive move to halt further environmental violation in the area, the Lagos State Government has commenced the dislodgement of illegal squatters residing under Ijora Bridge.
The action which was carried out by the enforcement team of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, followed a one-week ultimatum earlier issued by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.
Wahab noted that the exercise was aimed at addressing issues of gross environmental abuse, perpetrated by the illegal squatters, adding that the state government would leave no stone unturned in restoring sanity to the environment across the metropolis.
He said, “The dislodgement exercise under the Ijora Bridge is a continuation of our unwavering commitment to restoring environmental sanity across the state. These illegal settlements not only pose serious health and safety risks but also contribute significantly to the littering and defacement of public spaces. We will not tolerate such disregard for the environment and the well-being of residents”.
He stressed that the exercise served as a strong warning to others who might be considering similar actions, noting that the state government would not hesitate to take decisive measures to protect the environment and ensure the well-being of all Lagosians.
“The state governor took an oath of office to safeguard lives and properties of over 22 million Lagosians. Hence the law has to be enforced without fear nor favour. At the end of it all, we are all the better for it. The state cannot fold its arms and allow the economic gain of a few to override the beneficial interest of the rest. It is about the larger picture. It is a zero tolerance to all forms of infraction”, he said.
LAWMA Managing Director/CEO, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the Authority would continue to place premium on establishing a cleaner and healthy environment, adding that the dislodgement of illegal squatters under the Ijora Bridge was a step towards addressing environmental concerns in the area.
“We are committed to ensuring a clean and healthy environment for all residents of Lagos. The enforcement action under the Ijora Bridge is a crucial step in achieving this goal. We will continue to identify and address environmental challenges across the state, working tirelessly to make Lagos a cleaner, more sustainable city”, he said.
