Council To Demolish Buildings Along Canals

The Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State says it will demolish all buildings erected along drainage channels and canals in the area

The Chairman, Mr Babatunde Sofola, told newsmen in Lagos  yesterday that it was a joint decision between the residents and the council.

“We called a stakeholders meeting where it was unanimously agreed that buildings close to the canals and drainages be demolished to avert flooding during rainy season.

“We have invited the Ministry of Environment to come and mark the affected buildings because we know that the council doesn’t have the power to demolish a building on its own.

“We have equally set up a committee to look into the affected buildings and their occupants. Until the committee comes up with their findings,  we would not know how to assist the occupants”, the council boss said.

Sofola said that the council had started clearing drains and waterways to allow for a free flow of water this rainy season.

He said that the council had also organised enlightenment campaigns on the need to keep the environment tidy at all times.

The Council Chairman appealed to residents to cooperate with the government by stopping the indiscriminate dumping of refuse into canals and drains.

Sofola urged Lagos State citizens to stop dumping refuse in canals, adding that the council and state government were working tirelessly to avert flooding.

Our correspondent recalls that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) had predicted heavy rainfall in the state this year.