Ogun State Government has commenced the demolition of shanties which were erected on set-backs along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway thereby constituting environmental nuisance along that corridor.
The exercise began at Kara axis in Isheri, Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking at the commencement of the exercise, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Mr Farook Akintunde said the state government embarked on the exercise after several warnings and abatement notices served on the owners of the shanties were unheeded.
He said those involved are mostly traders and all efforts to make them vacate the road setbacks and move to formally recognised markets proved abortive.
“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 structures 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 who patronise them, especially unsuspecting commuters to the state who desire to have quick fixed meals,”Akintunde said.
He advised genuine traders among them to move to formally recognised markets which have enough spaces to accommodate them, saying “the state government is desirous of not only destroying shanties on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway axis but throughout the state.”
Akintunde explained that 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.
