The Lagos State Government has stated that the ongoing demolition and structural removal in the fishing community of Makoko is aimed at ensuring the safety of the citizens living there, rather than perpetuating the erroneous belief that it is for land grabbing by the government.
This was disclosed by the Special Adviser on Urban Development and E-GIS to the Governor, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, while addressing the Press on Monday, at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa-Ikeja.
He said the structures that have been removed are those under the high-tension electricity poles, which pose a high risk to human existence, and this is not restricted to Makoko only.
He further said that the regeneration of the other part of the community where people are living would be carried out in phases while human convenience would be considered in the development of the area, adding that the removal of structures under the high tension poles in the state is ongoing and will not be stopped citing health and other hazardous effects.
Olajide added that regeneration of the urban areas in the state is not limited to Makoko and Oworonshoki. He cited other previous and ongoing areas to include Pelewura, Kantangowa, and Oko-baba, among others.
“The removal of such structures did not start from this administration. It has been ongoing, and we will continue to ensure that sanity prevails in our environment so that Lagos can be the best city we all crave to live in,” he concluded.
