The commissioner of the Ministry of Environment & Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has unveiled compelling drone footage, revealing an alarming encroachment crisis along the drainage channel on System 156, from Igbo-Efon to Ikota in Lekki.
The footage captured the extent of violations by Lagos estate developers, leading to widespread demolitions in an effort to rectify the situation.
The drone video, posted on social media, displayed a vivid red arrow indicator, pointing out the severe encroachments, blockade, and diversion of System 156 into System 157 by developers and property owners.
The shocking revelation showcased fully built structures infringing on setbacks and alignment, constituting a blatant alteration of the approved Drainage Master Plan for the area.
Wahab’s post conveyed a stern message about the Ministry’s commitment to upholding urban planning standards and safeguarding the integrity of the city’s drainage infrastructure.
“We have served several contravention notices,” Wahab declared in the post, emphasizing the Ministry’s proactive approach to address the violations.
As the expiration of the contravention notices approaches, the Ministry is gearing up for enforcement actions, including widespread demolitions.
The Commissioner’s statement underlines the gravity of the situation and the urgency to rectify the encroachments promptly.
The move is not just punitive; it aims to ensure the restoration of the approved drainage systems, essential for preventing flooding and maintaining the overall environmental health of the city.
The revelation of the drone footage not only serves as evidence of the infractions but also as a transparent means to keep the public informed about the Ministry’s efforts.
The demolitions are expected to send a strong message about the consequences of disregarding urban planning regulations and the imperative of adhering to approved development plans.
@freelanews Lagos estate demolitions: Drone footage exposes alarming drainage deviations by developers, property owners #foryou #naijatiktok ♬ original sound – Freelanews
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
