Lagos State has begun removal of illegal structures on Lagos Island, following expiration of its 14-day notice for traders to remove their wares and shops from roads, especially around the Mandilas building in the Lagos Island business district.
The operation, which started at the weekend, was coordinated by Special Adviser on the state’s electronic Geographic Information System (e-GIS) and Urban Planning, Olajide Babatunde; Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Central Business Districts (CBD), Bola Olumegbon Lawal; General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Gbolahan Oki, and other government top officials.
Speaking during the event, Babatunde lamented disregard of the two-week ultimatum for shop owners, developers, and residents to carry out remedial works on their shops and remove all obstacles.
He noted that the removal was to allow fire trucks, officers and others free access, and for traders to sell their goods in a suitable, safe, and clean environment.
Babatunde said the market will remain shut until its leaders do the needful. He promised to invite tenants, traders, Iyalojas, and developers, including the local council, to a round table meeting to agree on steps to be taken before the market is reopened.
He said: “It’s not something that the government is going to do again. We are going to be talking to everyone to ensure that nobody’s right is infringed upon.
“Apart from Lagos Island, we will be working closely with the Special Adviser on Central Business Districts to improve the market situation in Lagos and Ikeja CBD.
“In Ikeja, we have the Computer Village that is being relocated. We are relocating them to Katangura. It is not just the Computer Village alone, there are other activities that will happen at the Katangura market.
“In the coming weeks, you’ll see efforts on that. We are moving those people who seem to be on the road in Ikeja because they also obstruct traffic.”
He promised to remove illegal structures attached to the Central Mosque in the Island, stressing that as a religious ground, no form of trading will be allowed.
On her part, Lawal stressed the need for a convenient environment for people doing business within the CBD.
She said safety comes first in whatever people want to do, adding that everything should not be about making money.
Also, Director General of Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeleye, expressed the preparedness of the agency to secure life and property.
Adeleye, who was represented by Funmi Johnson, pleaded with the traders not to block the way during emergencies. She added: “Once there’s a fire, we need to move as fast as possible.”(guardian)
