Lagos State to Demolish 280 Illegal Structures for Growth
The Lagos State Government has threatened to demolish 280 unlawful structures to prevent the formation of slums, distortion of the Lagos State Master Plan, and degradation of the state’s coastal territory.
The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Ekundayo Alebiosu, issued a statement on Tuesday titled ‘LASG SERVES CONTRAVENTION NOTICE ON ILLEGAL OCCUPANTS OF MAYEGUN WATERFRONT SCHEME’, stating that notices had been issued to over 280 illegal property owners and occupiers in the Mayegun Waterfront Scheme, which is located in the state’s Eti Osa Local Government area.
Myegun stated that the contravention notices required the tenants to present relevant documents and approvals that justified their occupation of the properties in question within seven days after receiving the notification, failing which a demolition notice would be served on them.
Following a detailed technical assessment of the Mayegun Waterfront Scheme by the survey team of the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, which is in charge of maintaining the Lagos State Waterfront Schemes, it was discovered that the over 280 properties, which included completed, under-construction, and undeveloped lands, lacked any government papers authorizing their construction.
To avoid penalties, Alebiosu advised property owners to voluntarily dismantle their constructions before the expiration of the violation warnings served on them, or to come forward to regularize any documentation they may have.
He emphasized that all illegal operations along the Waterfront schemes and corridor must cease immediately, as the State Government will no longer tolerate or allow people intruding on government property, land, and setbacks.
Alebiosu revealed that the State Government, through the Ministry, is currently sanitizing the Okun Ajah waterfront scheme, where similar encroachment is occurring. He also stated that the state government will not relent in its efforts to protect the State Waterfront Schemes and infrastructure, while ensuring the safety of life and property along the State’s coastal area.