Ambode Gives Quit Notice To Property Owners Blocking Drainage Channels In Lagos

The Lagos State Government on Sunday
ordered owners of properties erected on
drainage channels and impeding the free-
flow of water to immediately vacate or
risk being removed.



In a statement signed by the
Commissioner for the
Environment, Babatunde Adejare, he listed
some of the areas where properties were
erected on drainage channels to include
Illubirin, Dolphin Estate, Osborne
Foreshore Estate, Ikoyi, Osapa London,
Ikota, Ogombo, Lekki, among others,
noting that the massive investment of
public fund into drainage clearing and de-
silting had been compromised by
structures hindering the free-flow of
water.



The Commissioner said 'it is now of
paramount importance that owners of
buildings or structures impeding the free-
flow of storm water, wherever they exist
in the State, are advised to voluntarily quit
forthwith in the overriding public interest
or risk being removed by the State
Government as no responsible
government will allow the interest of a
few to jeopardise the wellness and
wellbeing of the generality of its people'.



“In view of the grievous consequences of
compromising drainage right of way and
alignment, Lagosians are hereby warned
to henceforth refrain from this illegal act,
report perpetrators and cooperate with
the Lagos State Government in its bid to
achieve a flood-free, clean and livable
State,” Adejare said.



He continued to say, 'for the avoidance of
doubt, Lagosians are once again
reminded that the right of way for
primary unlined (without concrete)
channel is 25 meters and 15 meters for
primary lined (with concrete) channel,
while the right of way for secondary/
connector channel is seven meters.




The
right of way for tertiary channel is three
meters from the fence of the house.



“Primary channels such as canals are
those emptying directly into the river,
lagoons and other water bodies, while
secondary/connector channels connect
water from channels in the frontage of
the house (tertiary channels) to the
primary channel,” the Commissioner said.