In alignment with Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu’s Cleaner Environmental Agenda for Lagos State, the Chairman of Odiolowo-Ojuwoye LCDA, Hon Rasaq Ajala (HRA), along with community leaders from Akala, Idioro, and its environs have supervised the demolition of illegal structures and carting away of drainage systems in the area.
The Clean-up Initiative began on Tuesday, 10 October, 2023 resulting in the removal of several illegal structures.
Despite prior warnings to affected residents, many structures remained intact, necessitating the demolition efforts carried out by the Council leadership.
Hon Ajala emphasized the purpose of this exercise, stating, “This action is not meant to penalize those affected but is a crucial step to ensure a flood-free community. “
He continued, “Recent heavy rainfall has caused flooding due to the blockage of drains by these structures. We are commencing the operation in my Ward (A2), and similar activities will take place in other wards in the coming days.”
He expressed concern about the environmental hazards posed by these structures, disrupting the free flow of water, which affects the community.
Several residents, speaking anonymously, commended the cleanup initiative, with one stating, “We can finally enjoy fresh air in our homes now that these structures are being removed.”
Abosede Olanrewaju Elegbeleye, the Joint CDA Secretary of Owode, Akinbiyi, Idumagbo, and Adegbite, confirmed that prior notices were issued to the community to remove all structures obstructing free flow in our drainages.
“We informed the community about today’s exercise in advance,” he mentioned.
The collaborative efforts of HRA led by the government, community leaders, youth leaders, and other stakeholders in the community has helped in solving environmental hazard and flooding that could have affected the community.
