Ogun government has began the demolition of shanties erected on set-backs along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway which, according to the state government, have become environmental nuisances along the corridor.
Flagging of the exercise at the Kara, OPIC axis in Isheri in Obafemi Owode local government area of Ogun state, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Mr Farook Akintunde, said the state government embarked on the demolition after several warnings and abatement notices to the owners of the shanties.
He noted that the owners of the shanties who are mostly traders have refused to heed entreaties to vacate the road setbacks and move to formally recognized markets.
“The state government will not fold its arms and watch these shanties deface the aesthetic beauty of the state which is the gateway to many states of the federation.
“These structure are not only an eyesore, they harbour criminals who disguise as traders during daytime but perpetuate their nefarious activities in the night”
“Aside from these, the genuine traders among them sell in filthy environment which breeds rodents and vectors which have adverse health implications on those that patronize them especially unsuspecting commuters to the state who desire to have quick fixed meals,” Akintunde submitted.
He therefore advised the traders to move to formally recognized markets which, according to him, have enough spaces to accommodate them.
He added that Ogun state government will not only pull down shanties in the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway axis, but throughout the state.
Akintude said all road setbacks in the state will soon wear new look that befits the status of the Gateway state warning that anyone of them caught re-erecting his or her shanties in the cleared areas will face the wrath of the law.
