The Lagos State Authorities has mentioned hardship is just not an excuse for folks to occupy areas underneath bridges or different public areas.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Gboyega Akosile, mentioned this on Sunday when requested what options the federal government had for individuals who would possibly name poverty to commerce or sleep underneath the bridges.
The state authorities had on Saturday commenced clearing the slums occupied by squatters underneath Obalende Bridge in Eti-Osa Native Authorities Space of the state. This occurred after the expiry of a four-day ultimatum given to residents final week.
Responding to questions from our correspondent in a phone interview on Sunday, Akosile mentioned: “That could be a normal query, however the residing requirements of the folks shouldn’t be a motive why you make public house your own home.”
“There’s a grasp plan for the state. Don't overlook that it's only a disgrace that individuals flip public areas into properties. We can not give up the state to lawlessness and hooliganism. And never simply in Obalende, however in all public areas,” he emphasizes.
He added: “When it comes to what the federal government is doing to alleviate the struggling of the folks, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration has finished a lot within the space of housing.
“(There’s a housing program) for low-income folks. As soon as you’re employed in Lagos and earn one thing, it is best to have the ability to afford a few of our homes.”
The PONS stories that Governor Sanwo-Olu collectively together with his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and different state officers, on Sunday inspected the continued cleansing works at Obalende Underbridge and Ijora Causeway Underbridge.
Throughout one of many visits, the governor warned residents that the underbridge can be transformed into leisure house and by no means for residential or industrial functions.
Sanwo-Olu mentioned: “(The underbridge) is just not a home, we’ll discover a option to assist you elsewhere. We is not going to flip this place into properties. We’ll flip it right into a sports activities subject and for different helpful functions. I heard that some folks right here make outlets, rooms and salons, there’s nothing like that anymore. No authorities will permit folks to remain underneath the bridge.”
