The Lagos State government has held a meeting with some property owners and other stakeholders to discuss a better way of resolving the persistent flooding caused by these illegal structures.

The Lagos State Commissioner, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday to mitigate the impact of removing illegal structures built on the canal path and alignment along system 156 (Orchid Estate – Ajiran – Agungi).

“The property owners admitted to having encroached on the alignments, and at some point closed the canal path as indicated in the Lagos State Drainage Master Plan,” Wahab said.

He added that the property owners pleaded for a timeframe to consult with their engineers for a possible way of opening up the canal path with minimal impact on the structures.

Wahab stated that the ongoing enforcement of due process on properties in Lagos is aimed at curbing the persistent flooding in the state.

However, while enforcing compliance, the Lagos State government is always open to alternative suggestions.

Wahab said the Ministry has granted the request of the property owners to present their options while they move in with the enforcement team upon failure of the property owners to present workable alternatives within the stipulated timeframe.

The meeting with the property owners also had in attendance the Special Adviser on Environment to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Hon. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, the Permanent Secretary – ODS & WR, Engr. Nurudeen Olalekan Shodeinde and other Directors of the Ministry of the Environment.