- By Halimah Olamide
We are not demolishing any property, the Ministry is only removing contravening structures obstructing the free flow of rainwater which has over the years caused massive flooding in Lagos State
Commissioner for Environment and Water Sanitation, Tokunbo Wahab, has revealed why erring structures in Mende Villa must be removed.
This is in response to a post from an X user, @AkereUthman on Monday, stating that while passing by, he noticed the part of the compound demolished was sitting exactly on the canal.
“I just passed through Odo Iya’laro Bridge and took a closer look at the Mende villa house in question and I can tell you that the part of the compound demolished was sitting exactly on the canal.
“@tokunbo_wahab never even demolish am finish sef na him noise don full ground so.”
Recall that the Lagos State Government reclaimed the Right of Way of the Odo-Iya Alaro channel on Saturday by demolishing a part of the Arowojobe and Mende Estate villa.
This move sparked an outrage on social media with many criticising the government for taking down properties and investments without proper notice.
Wahab therefore disclosed that the Ministry is not demolishing properties, rather it is only removing structures that are obstructing the free flow of rainwater as stated in the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017.
“We are not demolishing any property, the Ministry is only removing contravening structures obstructing the free flow of rainwater which has over the years caused massive flooding in Lagos State @followlasg as provided for in the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017.
“This exercise will be done across as the ministry puts so much effort into deflooding many areas.
“Please note “REMOVE” and then use it appropriately.” He said.