Why Structures On Canals Are Not Demolished – Fashola

Governor Babatunde  Fashola of Lagos State on Tuesday, said that his administration would plan adequately before demolishing structures on canals, to ensure efficiency.

The governor told newsmen in Ikeja that the structures were large in number, and that their demolition would require much funds, as well  as law enforcement.

He said that the demolition would start as soon as all issues on it were well sorted out.

“Demolition is a project, you have to plan how to embark on that project; you have to evacuate the rubbles after demolition so that they do not go back into the drains.”

“In the process of demolition, you have to hire people and equipment. It is a lot of planning .You also have to maintain law and order during the process.”

“The project has to be well ordered, sequenced and financed; because of the number of buildings, you don‘t want to start and stop; you have to really plan,’’ he said.

He noted that structures on canals obstructed movement of water, and warned residents against such buildings to make for effective flood control.

Fashola said the government had begun constructing some inner city roads to mitigate flooding, as well as improve the state‘s road network.

He said the inner road construction in Agege, Aguda, Mushin and some other communities had reached an advanced stage.

Our correspondent reports that Fashola had during an inspection tour of communities ravaged by the July 10 flooding, ordered demolition of structures built on drainage channels.

The communities visited included Agege, Iganmu, Lekki, Surulere, Aboru and Ijaiye.