CITIZENS COMPASS– In consolidation of renewed efforts to sanitise the metropolis from all forms of environmental infractions, the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) popularly known as KAI, in conjunction with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) embarked on a three-day clearance operation to remove hundreds of Street Traders occupying the base of the Cele Bus Stop Flyover situated along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and effected the demolition of illegally-erected shanties around System 6C Cele-Ilasa Drainage Channel on Friday.
Corps Marshal of the Agency, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (rtd) made this disclosure at the Command Headquarters of the Agency, Bolade-Oshodi. According to him, ‘I recall being with the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab on Wednesday during an assessment tour of the System 6C Drainage Channel and we made it clear that traders occupying the base of the Cele Bus Stop Flyover must vacate immediately and we extended our operations to the banks of the channel to remove illegal structures in the same vein, which has become a hideout for criminals to perpetuate illegality which we would not tolerate, hence the reason for commencing the 3-day clearance operation’’.
Cole decried the alarming levels of filth, sheer disregard for public health during the clearance operation which lasted for hours, affirming the resolve of operatives to consolidate on the success of Friday’s operation which will last till Sunday to enable a comprehensive demolition exercise, making it easier for LAWMA to load the debris to the dumpsites.
The KAI top man also appreciated the collaborative efforts of the Lagos Waste Management Agency (LAWMA) for the 3-day exercise, citing the Agency’s strategic mode of debris clearance as effective and proactive.
Cole also read the riot act to street traders and hawkers involved in the negative acts of displaying wares for sale in traffic, on road setbacks, verges, medians, gutter slabs, open defecation and urination which stands in opposition to the State Environmental Laws, warning that defaulters would be apprehended and made to face the law.
Underscoring the need for commuting pedestrians to embrace safety always, the retired Major echoed the need for Lagosians to make appropriate use of pedestrian bridges in the stead of crossing highways which remains a safer option to avoid being hit by speeding motorists.
