Hyacinth Chinweuba
Lagos State Government has reiterated its resolve to put Iganmu Underbridge to good use immediately.
Chairman of Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce), CSP Shola Jejeloye disclosed this after dislodging squatters and removing shanties and abandoned vehicles from the sprawling area.
Public Affairs Officer, Femi Moliki of the task force in a statement said the agency on Monday served the occupants and owners of abandoned vehicles in the area a 3-day notice to remove kiosks, shanties and abandoned vehicles from the area.
According to him, Governor Babajide Sanwo–Olu vistied the area in company of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and that it was agreed that the place should be put to use as part of efforts to finding lasting solutions to the traffic jam in Apapa.
Jejeloye explained that the occupants of the Iganmu Underbridge were informed to leave the area six months ago before they were eventually served a 72–hour removal notice on Monday.
He noted that relevant Government agencies including Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Lagos Waste Management Agency (LAWMA), LASPARK and security agencies have been mandated to take possession of the area for cleaning up and managing the area.
In his words, the clearing of the place and dislodgement of squatters would bring to an end the incessant traffic robberies, indiscriminate parking of trucks, environmental nuisance and selling of hard drugs prevalent in the area.
He stated that government would sustain this place, as all those illegal activities and the area serving as hideouts for criminals would no longer be allowed.