Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, yesterday, supervised the removal of shanties on the setbacks and rights of way of the blue rail line, from Orile to Iyana Iba, along Lagos-Badagry expressway.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who visited the area last week, had earlier issued a vacation ultimatum to traders on the setbacks.

Wahab, who spoke while inspecting infractions on the corridor, said there is an urgent need to restore the right of way.

He was accompanied by chairman of the Special Intervention Team for the restoration of the Blue Line Right of Way (RoW), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Bayo Suleiman.

Wahab said apart from the blue line’s right of way, the Lagos-Badagry expressway, is an international highway, whose setback must be observed.

The commissioner noted that since the one-month notice issued to street traders, squatters and occupiers of shanties on the stretch of Orile to Iyana-Iba has expired, the state government is set to commence enforcement of the order.

Wahab said he was going around to ensure that the right of way is secured, and illegal trading sites and settlements along the corridor are pulled down.

He particularly mentioned the illegal settlement at Agboju, where squatters have built shanties and occupied setbacks, saying Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK), would move in after the squatters have been dispersed to commence work on the beautification and landscaping of the whole stretch.

He advised squatters under the bridge before Abule Oshun, who had refused to leave to do so with immediate effect, before the enforcement team moved in.

Wahab warned residents against creating illegal dumpsites with particular reference to one noticed at the Eric Moore end of Surulere, saying the state is determined to find lasting solutions to illegal dumpsites while directing men of the Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to clear the spot within 24 hours.

Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Gaji Omobolaji; his counterpart in the Office of Drainage Services, Lekan Shodeinde; General Manager, LASPARK, Mrs. Adetoun Popoola, and other directors from the ministry were part of the inspection exercise.