CITIZENS COMPASS–The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offenses (Enforcement) Unit (Taskforce), on Tuesday, evicted illegal Street traders from Alade Avenue, Orishe Street and Johnson Street, off Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja area of the State.
Before the eviction, the areas had been converted to mini markets and restaurants thereby causing serious human and vehicular traffic obstructions and serious environmental pollution along those routes and adjoining streets.
The night operation was carried out in the interest of environmental decorum and maintenance of Lagos State’s Mega City status.
The two-days raid which was led by the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, took place at dusk which is usually the period when the illegal street traders erect makeshift shops and place barricades which occupy parts of the road and cause traffic impediments to vehicles trying to access those roads.
Their activities have also been noticed to seriously flout laid down environmental laws of the State through indiscriminate disposal of waste and solid materials into the gutters which end up clogging up canals and drainage systems in the Metropolis.
The Chairman described the raids which will be a continous exercise as a step made in the interest of the citizenry who have longed for solutions to the menace of street trading which also encourages criminality.
Some of these locations serve as safe haven for criminals who enjoy the proceeds of their criminal activities there.
According to the CSP, the flooding experienced in some parts of the State is also a result of improper disposal of refuse that ends up clogging the drainage channels.
“The activities of street traders at Johnson Street, especially at night, is repugnant at all levels. They sell drugs indiscriminately there which is counter-productive to the society and they also contribute immensely to traffic build-up on Awolowo Road during rush hour at night when workers who have spent all day at work still have to spend hours in traffic on Awolowo road just to get home. It is unfair to residents of this area and we will ensure that it is reduced to the barest minimum.”
He reiterated the stand of the State Government on street trading and assured that all hands will be on deck to ensure that street trading is a thing of the past. He disclosed that the Agency is collaborating with other sister Agencies to ensure that the environment is preserved as prescribed in the THEMES PLUS agenda of the State Government.
The Chairman appealed to all other recalcitrant street traders and vendors to relocate their stores to designated outlets designed for trading and vacate the streets and inner roads. He assured them that the Agency will visit every nook and cranny where activities of street traders have impeded the flow of traffic and inconvenienced residents one way or the other.
He urged residents who have useful tips concerning street blockages by illegal traders or any other useful information on illegal environmental activities to contact the Agency through their social media handles or come forth with them to the Headquarters of the Agency at Bolade Oshodi.
“We will continue to do our job in line with THEMES PLUS agenda of the State Government and the directives of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade mni, psc.”
All suspects arrested were carefully screened and those with genuine business were allowed to go while others will be charged to court.
