The Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), popularly known as KAI, alongside the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), on Thursday, carried out an operation that saw the removal of more than 650 illegal shanties and shops situated beneath the Idunmota Bridge in the heart of the city.
This operation is part of a broader effort to ensure the city is free of hazardous structures and to improve environmental standards for the safety and well-being of all Lagosians. The clearances are being done under a program called #LetLagosBreathe, which aims to tackle the growing number of illegal shops and shanties occupying public spaces, especially beneath vital bridges that are critical to the city’s infrastructure.
The clean-up operation, which began early Thursday morning, was spearheaded by the Corps Marshal of the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (retd). Speaking about the exercise at the Agency’s Command Headquarters in Bolade-Oshodi, Cole explained that the operation was necessary to protect both the integrity of public structures and the safety of Lagosians.
“The clearance operation with the code name #LetLagosBreathe undertaken by our operatives in collaboration with LAWMA ensured that we dislodged defiant traders erecting shops beneath the bridge. This is hazardous to the integrity of the structure and can potentially cause infernos,” Major Cole said.
The illegal shops beneath Idunmota Bridge had long been a concern for both residents and government authorities. These structures not only obstructed pedestrian movement but also posed serious fire risks, especially given the high volume of electrical and cooling installations used by traders. Many of the traders were reported to have built shops beneath the bridge, displaying goods that often blocked traffic flow and created safety hazards for motorists and pedestrians alike.
The operation is not just about clearing illegal structures but also about preventing potentially disastrous incidents. Major Cole pointed out that the recent fire under the Apongbon Bridge, which was blamed on illegal traders who had set up electrical equipment and cooling systems, was a wake-up call for the state.
“The clearance operation was activated to forestall a repeat of the Apongbon Bridge incident, which pointed accusing fingers at traders that erected electrical installations and cooling systems under the bridge, which caused the inferno,” Cole stated.
The fire beneath the Apongbon Bridge was a serious disaster that led to several casualties and significant damage to the structure. The incident raised concerns about the safety of traders who continue to set up illegal shops under bridges, using faulty or unsafe electrical systems.
By removing the illegal structures at Idunmota Bridge, the Lagos government hopes to prevent similar incidents from occurring, ensuring the safety of both the traders and the public.
In addition to removing structures from beneath the Idunmota Bridge, the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) has vowed to continue its crackdown on illegal structures throughout the city. Major Cole issued a stern warning to traders who are in the habit of building illegal shops beneath other bridges and public spaces.
“Traders who continue to engage in this act will face the full wrath of the law. This operation will be continuous, and we will not relent in our efforts to ensure that all illegal structures are cleared from our public spaces,” Cole warned.
Lagos is one of the most rapidly growing cities in Africa, and with its expanding population, the demand for space has led to a rise in the construction of illegal structures. These illegal constructions not only affect the aesthetics of the city but also endanger the public by obstructing roads, creating fire hazards, and causing traffic jams.
In his speech, Major Cole also issued a stern warning to street traders who engage in hawking and display goods on highways, medians, road setbacks, lay-bys, kerbs, and gutter slabs – all violations of the State’s Environmental Laws.
“Lagosians must understand that selling on roads and using public spaces for hawking is illegal. This violates our state’s environmental laws, which are in place to protect the safety and well-being of everyone,” said the KAI Corps Marshal.
Street trading is a common sight in Lagos, with traders often displaying their goods on major roads, making it difficult for motorists and pedestrians to navigate. The government has repeatedly urged traders to comply with environmental regulations, but the problem persists. The authorities are hopeful that this recent operation will serve as a deterrent to illegal trading activities in the city.
Major Cole also encouraged Lagosians to embrace safety measures, especially when crossing busy highways. “We urge transiting Lagosians to always use pedestrian bridges when crossing highways to ensure their safety and avoid unnecessary accidents,” he said.
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has been a crucial partner in the clearance operations, supporting KAI with waste management services and providing the necessary resources to ensure the safe disposal of the debris from the illegal structures. LAWMA has played an important role in keeping Lagos clean and free from environmental hazards, working alongside other government agencies to address waste disposal, illegal dumping, and other environmental issues.
“LAWMA has been supportive of this operation, ensuring that the area is cleared efficiently and safely. We will continue to partner with KAI to ensure Lagos is safe and clean for all residents,” said a LAWMA spokesperson.
This operation, along with the ongoing campaigns to educate residents about the importance of environmental sanitation, is part of a broader effort by the Lagos State Government to restore order and cleanliness to the metropolis.
As the city of Lagos continues to grow, the pressure on public spaces and infrastructure will only increase. The government’s efforts to address the issue of illegal structures are essential in maintaining safety and ensuring the city remains livable for all residents.
