Lagos to enforce right of way for drainage channels in Apapa

Edited by Afolabi Hannah

The Lagos State Government has announced its plans to start enforcement operations in Apapa to restore the three-meter drainage Right of Way for all its drainage channels. Following an inspection tour to assess compliance levels, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, revealed that enforcement activities are being initiated after the expiration of notices and stakeholder meetings with property owners to voluntarily relocate their fences that encroach on the drainage setback.

Wahab emphasized the need to evaluate the condition of collectors in Apapa to clear and maintain them, as most are obstructed due to individuals encroaching on the right of way by extending their fences, thereby obstructing access to the drains.

In addition, the Commissioner inspected Rock Drive in Lekki I in response to complaints about unauthorized conversion of a residential area into a diesel depot, highlighting the potential fire hazard posed by such illegal activities. He urged residents to support the government’s flood mitigation efforts by adopting responsible waste disposal practices.

During the inspection, the Special Adviser on Environment, Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to finding practical solutions to address flooding challenges across the state.