Flooding: LASG orders demolition of shanties on canal setbacks

The Lagos State Task Force has delivered eviction notices to squatters and illegal occupants residing in shanties built on canal setbacks in various parts of the state in an effort to stop additional flooding-related destruction of homes and property.

In a statement released on Thursday, the agency's spokesperson, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, stated that the action was taken to stop the city's constant flooding during downpours.

He said, "The notices were carried out at strategic locations where it had been observed that squatters built shanties and makeshift buildings too close to the drainage system, which contravenes the laid down physical planning laws of at least 15 feet from the canal setback. The notices were served to settlers today (Thursday) by the chairman of the agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele."

Because uncertain climate change conditions are being experienced globally, Akerele referred to the squatters' activities as a ticking time bomb.

He added that shantytowns dispersed along several canals, including Soluyi Gbaada, Gbagada Bus Stop (next to Atunrashe Estate), Charlie Boy Bus Stop, and Bajulaiye, were all visited and the residents informed of the state's plan to evacuate the regions.

"Reports have also been received by residents and artisans around Gbagada of the illegal activities of miscreants who also use the shanties as their hideout from which they set out to perpetrate crimes, such as bag snatching and car vandalism around the area," he said, lamenting the rising crime rate committed by shanties' occupants.

He gave the locals his word that removing the canal setbacks would be a successful way to lower crime in the area.

Shatties are out of place in a mega city such as Lagos due to their lack of environmental decorum, and as a habitation of criminals and for defacing of areas where they have been erected,” he added.
Remember that the state government has been adamant about preventing construction on drainage setbacks and has taken steps to demolish buildings that are in violation of physical planning regulations.

The state's Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated that the flood was only able to subside as a result of government efforts to clear drainages and structures constructed on drainage setbacks, among other things, after persistent downpours that had caused flooding in many areas of the state in early July.