The Lagos State Government has issued a stern ultimatum to house owners in Shoreline Estate, Onikoyi Estate, Park View, and Banana Island, all located in the Ikoyi area of the state.
The directive demands the removal of fences encroaching on drainage channels within a seven-day timeframe.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, conducted an inspection of the area over the weekend.
He observed that numerous buildings failed to maintain the standard 3-meter distance from drainage channels, a violation of environmental regulations.
Wahab, during the inspection, emphasized that the government, instead of enforcing the full 3-meter setback, would be lenient and accept a 2.5-meter space.
Any building falling short of this requirement within the stipulated timeframe would face removal.
In his address to property owners, Wahab urged voluntary compliance, encouraging them to proactively remove encroaching fences before the ultimatum’s expiration.
He sternly warned that if owners neglect this responsibility and force the government to use taxpayer funds for enforcement, they would be surcharged for the incurred expenses.
A statement released by the Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Kunle Adeshina, quoted Commissioner Wahab explaining the rationale.
He noted a specific case within Onikoyi Estate, where a property maintained a 2.5-meter drainage setback, slightly below the legal 3-meter requirement.
The government, he stated, would adopt this distance to ensure a balanced situation.
The statement outlined that property owners and residents along the identified drainage channel have a seven-day window to adjust their fences, adhering to the 2.5-meter drainage setback.
After the ultimatum’s expiration, strict enforcement will commence, aiming to uphold environmental standards and ensure public safety.
