Lagos Cracks Down on Shanties Blocking Drainage Channels

Lagos Takes Action to Prevent Flooding, Serves Eviction Notice to Shanties

Eviction notices are sent to shanties due to flooding , this is to impede drainage pipes by the Lagos Taskforce...

Lagos Taskforce serves eviction notices to shanties obstructing drainage channels to prevent flooding. The move aims to clear canal setbacks and ensure quick flow of water during heavy downpours, also reducing crime rates in the areas.

As part of its efforts to stop the frequent flooding that occurs in the Metropolis after intense downpours, the Lagos State Taskforce has delivered eviction notices to squatters and unlawful residents living across several canal setbacks across the State.

The settlements were served notices today by CSP Adetayo Akerele, the Chairman of the Agency, at specific locations where it was observed that squatters had constructed improvised structures and shanties too near to the drainage system, in violation of the established physical planning regulations requiring at least 15 feet between the canal setback.

Akerele described the activities of the squatters as a ticking time bomb due to unpredictable climate change experienced across various parts of the world.

“Flooding incidences have been recorded in various parts of the world and it usually does not turn out pleasant in the end that's why we here to make sure that the canals, collectors and drainage channels are all cleared up to ensure quick and free flow of water especially during heavy downpours.”

CSP Akerele also said that the Agency visited shanties situated along different canals at Soluyi Gbaada, Gbagada Bus Stop (next to Atunrashe Estate), Charlie Boy Bus Stop, and Bajulaiye canal to inform the residents of the State Government's plan to remove them.

According to Akerele, residents and craftsmen in the Gbagada region have also been informed about the illicit activities of miscreants who utilize the shanties as a place to hide out before committing crimes like car damage and bag stealing. He gave them the assurance that removing the canal setbacks would also have the secondary benefit of lowering local crime rates.

“Shanties have no place in a mega city such as Lagos due to their lack of environmental decorum, habitation of criminal elements and dephasing the look of any area where they have been erected. In this instance it is clear that they dump their refuse in the drainage system thereby contributing to flooding in Lagos. It's high time we put a stop to it.”

The Chairman pledged to conduct demolition drills in the previously listed regions and to extend his influence to other areas of the State that are vulnerable to floods.

He gave Lagosians the assurance that nothing would be permitted to obstruct the drainage channel, which was initially intended to allow water to flow through during the rainy season.

He called on citizens all throughout the State to utilize the Agency's See Something, Say Something media campaign to report any suspicious activity in their area to the Agency. This will help to guarantee that no individual or group of individuals compromises our safety and habitability in the Metropolis.