By Oluwaseun Nubi
Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area on Friday demolished illegal shanties on Offin/Oreta Road.
The enforcement, directed by the Chairman of the council, Mr Hammed Aroyewun, was carried out by officials of the council’s Environment and Waste Management Department.
The council’s enforcement team also apprehended three suspects in connection with alleged obstruction of drainage channels and breach of environmental regulations.
Aroyewun reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
He said decisive action would continue against illegal structures, environmental abuse, activities that threaten public health.
He added that the council remained committed to maintaining a cleaner, safer and more orderly environment for residents of Igbogbo/Baiyeku.
The operation was monitored by the council’s Chief of Staff, Wasiu Olowu; Councillor representing Ward C3, Mrs Saidat Odeyemi; and operatives of the local joint task force, who provided security.
Speaking after the exercise, Mr Adekunle Sunday, Head of the Environment and Waste Management Department, said that the council acted following repeated complaints from residents concerning activities around the illegal structures.
John said that the occupants of the shanties had consistently dumped waste into nearby drainage channels, causing severe blockage and increasing the risk of flooding.
“We received repeated complaints from residents about activities around these illegal structures. The occupants consistently dumped dirt and waste into nearby drainage channels, leading to severe blockage and preventing the free flow of water.
“The situation posed a significant flooding risk to surrounding communities and constituted a serious environmental and public health concern,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Dauda Oshinlaja, the Supervisor for Environment and Waste Management, described the demolition as necessary, to restore environmental sanity.
Oshinlaja said that continuous dumping of refuse and debris completely obstructed sections of the drainage network along the corridor, making immediate intervention unavoidable.
“We will continue to monitor the area to prevent a recurrence and sustain the gains of this exercise. We also urge residents and business operators to support the council through proper waste disposal practices,” he said.
NAN reports that three persons identified as being responsible for constructing the illegal shanties were apprehended during the operation and handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.
Some shops found operating in unsanitary conditions were also sealed, while several business owners were warned over environmental violations and directed to comply with environmental regulations.
Residents and commuters who witnessed the exercise commended the intervention, describing it as timely and would improve drainage, reduce flooding and enhance environmental sanitation in the area. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Florence Onuegbu