LAGOS WAGES WAR ON SQUATTERS, DEMOLISHES SHANTIES
The Lagos State Government on Wednesday began the evacuation of squatters as well as removal and clearing of shanties within Abijo GRA to rid the scheme of all forms of illegal activities and environmental nuisance perpetrated by inhabitants of the Estate.
The Director, Town Planning Services, TPL. Olakunle Aboyeji, who led the enforcement team, said that the Authority is determined to remove all shanties and clear squatters within all government-owned schemes throughout the State starting with the Abijo GRA.
He said, “The Lagos State Government frowns at erection of shanties in and around government schemes and is set to fully implement a zero-tolerance policy against all illegal shanties and squatters within government schemes.”
He emphasised the State government’s commitment to promoting a clean, conducive, decent, healthy atmosphere in the schemes, stressing that all zonal officers of the Authority have been directed to ensure all illegal shanties within each scheme are quickly identified and reported for prompt intervention and removal to improve the aesthetics of affected areas.
“The routine policy will curb any nefarious tendencies of the illegal occupier of the shanties and also reduce the rate of depreciation of such government infrastructures,” he stated.
Aboyeji reiterated that the development of sustainable communities in a friendly and conducive environment remained a major priority of the present administration, insisting that no illegal structure or shanties will be accommodated or permitted within the Abijo Scheme or any other government scheme.