Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, says the interests of the greater majority of residents remain the driving force behind the enforcement of state environmental laws.
He, therefore, restated the government’s unwavering commitment to strict enforcement and human life sanctity.
Wahab spoke during a conversation with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Lagos State chapter led by ESV Olayinka Patunola-Ajayi at the Four Point by Sheraton Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Saturday.
In a statement by Mr. Kunle Adeshina, the Director, Public Affairs, the Commissioner said most of the enforcement actions were preemptive and accounted for the almost zero fatalities that would have been experienced in the state with the magnitude of rainfall so far recorded.
He explained that several areas in System 1 Odo Iya Alaro, Maryland, and its adjoining areas would have experienced unprecedented flooding during the latest rainfalls if the Ministry had not made tough decisions about removing some structures at Mende Villa Estate.
He added that the safe pre-emptive measures saved the souls of several residents of Oke Afa/Bucknor who have suffered for several years because a few residents, for selfish reasons, chose to construct in the middle of the channel.
Wahab reminded all those who take delight in criticizing all actions of the government on the state of the environment for criticism sake without proffering alternatives that the time for politics is gone and it is now time for governance.
He also charged the estate surveyors to always follow due diligence for all construction they want to embark upon or supervise by ensuring that drainage clearance permit is obtained for all structures located near drainages.
The commissioner reiterated that the state government is investing in resilient infrastructure to ensure that the state has the capacity to contain the run-off of heavy rainfalls, which ensures that a few hours after the rainfall, the water subsides.
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