By Mohammed Adekola
Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate closure of markets adjoining the Mandilas building for the next two days to enable the marketers and shop owners comply with its directive for self-removal of illegal make-shift structures erected on road setbacks within and around the market environment.
The closure notice was issued on Monday during a joint inspection and enforcement exercise carried out by Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA in conjunction with some law enforcement agencies and other relevant government agencies in charge of emergency related matters.
The enforcement exercise followed the expiration of the fourteen day self-removal notice earlier given by the State Government to the traders to remove their wares and shops from the roads especially around Mandilas on Lagos Island.
The Special Adviser eGIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, his colleague in charge of Central Business District, Bola Olumegbon-Lawal, the Permanent Secretary Office of Urban Development, Engr. Nurudeen Sodeinde and the General Manager of LASBCA, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, led the enforcement gang of the State during the monitoring exercise.
Speaking on the rationale behind the extension, the Special Adviser, eGIS and Urban Development explained that the extension of the initial ultimatum was meant to further give room for the affected shop owners salvage their belongings and voluntarily remove obstructions erected on walkways.
Dr. Babajide who expressed dissatisfaction with the level of non-compliance and lackadaisical attitude put up by the affected traders, said that the state government is fully ready enforce compliance and removal where necessary upon the expiration of the new ultimatum given.
The Special Adviser on CBD said that the clean up exercise being embarked upon by the state government throughout the entire Lagos Island was in the interest and safety of the residents.
Olumegbon-Lawal lamented the rate of safety infractions being perpetrated within the Mandilas market including the erection of high capacity generating set on make-shift extensions on first, and second floors
While pleading for self-compliance from the affected shop owners to remove all illegal attachments and extensions, Olumegbon-Lawal stated that the State Government is desirous of achieving a saner, well organised and clean city devoid of all forms of environmental nuisance.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary Office of Urban Development, Engr. Olalekan Nurudeen Sodehinde said that the state government is sending strong message to Lagosians to be law abiding.
He added that if the state government is forced to carry out the removal of the extensions and illegal structures, the affected persons would be compelled to pay for such exercise.
In his words” Lagos is an urban state and this implies that there should be Organisation and proper coordination in the way and manner we carry out our businesses and all our engagements”
He assured Lagosians that the monitoring and enforcement of compliance of the ongoing cleanup exercise will be sustained until total sanity is restored to Lagos Island.
