Ogun State Government has began demolition of shanties which were illegally erected on set-backs along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway thereby constituting environmental nuisances within that corridor.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Mr Farook Akintunde said the state government embarked on the demolition after several warnings.
Adding that even after notices served to the owners of the shanties who were mostly traders to vacate all the road setbacks and move to formally recognized markets proved abortive.
He stated this while flagging-off the demolition exercise at the Kara, OPIC axis in Isheri, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area.
“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 genuine traders among them to to move to formally recognized markets which have enough spaces to accommodate them.
Saying that the state government is desirous of not only destroying shanties in the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway axis, but throughout the state as all road setbacks will soon wear new look that befits the status of the Gateway State.
He hereby warned that anyone caught re-erecting his or her shanties in the cleared areas will face the wrath of the law.
