Sanity has returned to major streets in Lagos as the enforcement of the state government law against street traders takes effect.
Lagos State Government had read riot act to street traders in the state, especially on the Third Mainland Bridge and Eko Bridge, declaring zero tolerance for street trading in the areas.
On Friday when the enforcement commenced and Monday, our correspondent visited the major roads to see how effective the law would be.
On the Third Mainland Bridge, our correspondent observed 90 per cent compliance by the street traders. Before now, the bridge was usually jam packed with traders of different items during the busy hours of 6am and 11am.
However, the situation had changed as only a few of the traders were seen roaming on the bridge while officials of the state KickAgainst Indiscipline (KAI) stood at strategic location to apprehend any erring trader.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen reiterated that the enforcement was in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda of Governor BabajideSanwo-Olu to promote a cleaner and more aesthetic environment in Lagos, ensure total enforcement of the environmental Sanitation laws, and create a safer State for all.
He stated that it had become imperative to re-sensitise and seek the support of all stakeholders to eradicate street trading and other environmental nuisances, adding that the warning is being given to encourage residents who are contravening the law to look for other legal businesses as enforcement agents and agencies will come after them.
Gaji warned that not only will all the wares they hawk and display on major roads be confiscated; anyone apprehended will face prosecution at the Mobile Courts in line with the State Environmental laws.
He also gave an assurance that the latest enforcement drive against street traders, when commenced, would be a continuous one that would also be sustained.
The Permanent Secretary noted that as a megacity that is developing into a smart city, Lagos has no place for street traders who not only constitute an eye sore to the aesthetics of the city, and expose themselves to hazardous situations; they also constitute a threat to the security of lives and property.
Gaji stressed that Mr. Governor has given his go-ahead to the exercise, as many of the street traders are also criminals who masquerade as hawkers to attack unsuspecting motorists.
He buttressed that the enforcement exercise, which will be carried out by a special task force of the Kick AgainstIndiscipline (KAI) and other enforcement agencies, will consistently come after any persons found engaging in prohibited acts such as street trading, indiscriminate dumping of refuse and hawking.
He also sounded a note of warning to some of the criminally-minded ones amongst the street traders who are fond of launching violent attacks on enforcement officers on duty, advising that they comply with all State Laws and not prevent authorised agencies from carrying out their tasks.
Gaji averred that adherence to the directive would ensure a cleaner and safer environment for all, as the State will no longer tolerate any act of indiscipline, hooliganism or any act of violence that can disrupt the prevailing peace in the State.
