Bulldozers to Roll in Lekki as Lagos Demolishes Structures on Right of Way 

The Lagos State Government has announced its intention to pull down certain edifices in the Lekki vicinity, citing encroachment on the Right of Way (ROA).

 

Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, made this declaration during a discourse with journalists following an inspection of various projects within the Lekki environs on Thursday.

 

Wahab urged residents to exercise patience during periods of flash floods amidst the rainy season.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commissioner visited locales such as Oral Estate and Purple Mall, among others, within the Lekki axis.

 

“We were at Oral Estate several weeks prior, advising families to allow time for review.

 

“Following the review, we returned to assess necessary actions to eliminate contraventions and seek a favorable resolution for the residents.

 

“We must address violations on the ROA of the Ikota River, as it serves as the sole conduit to the Atlantic.

 

“In the event of any calamity in Lagos, the Ikota River is the lifeline for preserving the Island,” he stated.

 

Wahab highlighted the severe encroachment upon the ROA due to numerous developments and emphasized the need to restore the river’s pathway.

 

“Systems 156, 157, 44, 44A, and 46 all discharge into the Ikota River.

 

“The narrowing of these points is evident, and construction persists on the riverbank.

 

Sheet piles, long slender interlocking structural segments, are driven into the earth to form continuous walls for soil or water retention.

 

They serve both temporary and permanent functions in various constructions, including retaining walls, cofferdams, and waterfront edifices.

 

Wahab noted that sheet piles are instrumental in reversing encroachments, imposing sanctions, removing obstacles, and mitigating impacts on the ROA of the Ikota River.

 

“They must install the sheet piles at their own expense.

 

“By Monday, we expect their commitment to initiate installation, which should be completed within seven days.

 

“Absent such commitments, requisite actions will be taken, as it is evident even to them,” he asserted.

 

Regarding the number of dwellings slated for removal, the commissioner indicated that determinations would be made in the forthcoming week.

 

“We shall ascertain the count by next week, but removals are inevitable on the ROA of the Ikota River,” he stated.

 

Addressing flash floods in certain state areas, the commissioner encouraged residents to remain patient during such occurrences.

 

“During heavy rainfall, I consistently remind people that a lock-up signifies storm or rainwater’s inability to discharge into natural outlets like the lagoon or Atlantic.

 

“Such conditions result in temporary flash flooding, which dissipates by the following morning.

 

“It is a phenomenon governed by natural and scientific principles,” Wahab explained.

 

He implored residents to exercise patience, assuring them that floods would recede within one or two hours.

 

“The appeal is for patience. In the absence of emergencies, remain where you are.

 

“After one or two hours, the water will vacate the roads or spaces,” he concluded.