During the ongoing 2024 Ministerial Press Briefing to commemorate the first year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office, Tokunbo Wahab, the state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, revealed in Ikeja on Friday that a total of 1,037 individuals were apprehended for violating traffic rules by crossing highways and neglecting to utilize pedestrian bridges.
Additionally, Wahab reported the eviction of 165 miscreants and squatters from pedestrian bridges throughout the state, accompanied by thorough cleaning initiatives for the bridges.
“The government has also intensified efforts to arrest for prosecution the ring leaders who rented out the under-bridge apartments to tenants who also rear children in the place.
“Just about 24 hours ago, the operatives carried out an operation that unearthed a major illegal housing settlement constructed under the Dolphin Bridge Ikoyi.
“An unbelievable 80 number of rooms partitioned 10×10 and 10×12, and a container used for different illegal activities were also discovered.
“All the structures have been dismantled and a total of 26 miscreants who lived underneath were arrested, while efforts are being intensified to arrest the gang leaders who rented out the under bridge apartments, which also had electricity supply,” he said.
“The Kick Against Indiscipline, in conjunction with the State Task Force on Special Offences, also cleared the ljora Causeway Under bridge, the Apongbon Under bridge, Obalende Under Bridge, which has become abode to undesirable elements who posed security risk to the state.
“Also they carried out clearing of Lagos Coastal Road at Maiyegun Estate, Jakande, preparatory to the commencement of the construction of the Lagos Coastal road.
“The agency arrested a total of 1,886 comprising illegal traders, street traders, environment polluters and cart pushers.
“All these individuals were prosecuted according to the 2017 Lagos State Environmental Protection Management Law,” Wahab said.
Wahab also highlighted that perishable food items and goods seized during enforcement operations were allocated to orphanages, motherless babies homes, and those in need, in accordance with legal regulations. Moreover, he emphasized several initiatives aimed at beautifying and rejuvenating the aesthetic appeal of the Lagos environment.
One significant endeavor was undertaken by the Lagos Signage and Advertising Company (LASAA), involving the comprehensive replacement of worn-out street directional signs across the state. This strategic move was intended to improve navigation, enhance safety, and uplift the visual appeal of urban areas.
“The Ministry, during the period under review, through its State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), undertook 367 enforcement activities in households, markets, hotels, warehouses, service centres, eateries, stores, church, mosques.
“It also got to 140 hospital facilities, supermarkets, nightclubs, bake houses, with a view to ensuring compliance with the state environmental laws,” Wahab stated.
The commissioner also disclosed that a total of 76 abatement notices were issued to individuals and organizations found in violation of laws concerning the indiscriminate discharge of raw sewage into the lagoon, as well as other forms of water and land pollution.
