The Lagos State Government on Tuesday served another 48 hours Abatement Notice (Tuesday, 25th to Thursday, 27th of July, 2017) to all owners of illegal structures and shanties including containerised shops around Obalende to remove them immediately.

Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, SP Olayinka Egbeyemi disclosed that these illegal structures and shanties, including containerised shops were directly constructed or placed in the pathway of drainages and canals around Obalende thereby blocking the free flow of water during rainfall.

He noted further that the initial six-month notice from the government expired recently, but the law permitted this new 48 hours ‘Abatement Notice' be served before any demolition.

The Chairman explained that perennial flooding being experienced in some parts of the state was not natural but ‘Man-Made Disaster’ due to the indiscriminate dumping of refuse and used tyres into both primary and secondary water channels by members of the public.

While stressing that the present administration is spending much on infrastructural development which included clearing of drainages and canals across the state, Egbeyemi said there was a need for an attitudinal change by members of the public to support the government in securing the environment.

He implored owners of such illegal structures, shanties and containerised shops around Obalende, including under bridge to remove them within 48 hours of the notice or have them demolished by the Task Force.

The Chairman hinted that motor mechanics and all other forms of unauthorised commercial activities within Obalende and its environs were also affected by this notice.

SP Egbeyemi, who seeks for a total compliance and maximum cooperation from the people around Obalende, however, advised miscreants and hoodlums around the area to relocate as anyone arrested would be immediately charged to court for prosecution.